DannyBoyinExile

Someone recently asked me if I would explain the difference between major and minor cases in TDCJ.
To start with, the most serious disciplinary cases are designated as “major” cases, and “minor” cases are the less serious of the two. Certain offenses are so serious that they will always be major cases. Things like assaults, escapes, weapons, drugs, and cell phones. Others can go either way, and may be major in one instance or minor in another.
By policy, as soon as you are written a case, a Sergeant will come and “investigate” it within 24 hours. This basically consists of him or her explaining what you are charged with, by who, and asking for your statement about the incident.
The Sergeant has the authority to “informally resolve” it, by throwing it in the trash, basically. This DOES happen from time to time (though it’s rarely happened to me!), when the Sergeant can clearly see that the case is erroneous in some way. (Say, for example, you were written up for refusing to go to work in the laundry – and you don’t even WORK in the laundry.)
Most often, though, the “investigation” is a formality, and the case is then sent to the building Major, who “grades” it. They will read what happened, look at your disciplinary history to see how much trouble you’ve been in lately, and decide whether to make it a major or a minor case. Unless they happen to be in a bad mood that day, and say, “Make them ALL major!” (just kidding) (I hope!)
Many cases can go minor on one occasion and major on another. But the more trouble you’ve been in during the last few months just may make the difference between whether your extra pair of socks becomes a major or a minor case – so it’s best to keep your disciplinary record as clear as possible. I’ve had numerous cases over the years, and none of them has killed me, but I still go out of my way to AVOID them, to the extent that I can.
The other main difference between major and minor cases is the punishment. To make a long story short, for a major case, they can take away your good time, work time, line class, or even change your custody level – each of which can actually keep you in prison longer. Whereas for a minor case, your biggest worry is spending some time on recreation or commissary restriction, or maybe a few hours of working extra duty somewhere. That may not be pleasant, but it’s not exactly tragic, either.
The best advice I can give to anyone going through TDCJ’s disciplinary proceedings is to keep a good attitude. That will help you far more than trying to recite Supreme Court decisions, ranting about injustice, or being argumentative. It’s not always EASY to keep a good attitude while being railroaded, or receiving far more punishment than I felt I deserved – but I always TRY to, and that makes all the difference. Besides – if they found me guilty the one time I was innocent, there were plenty of other times I got away with something altogether, so I can’t complain. Sometimes you’re the windshield, and sometimes you’re the fly – but if I stay away from cases in the first place, I won’t have to worry about it… So says DannyBoy.