When you are let out of prison on parole it is under the assumption that you will abide by certain conditions. Violating your parole can result in harsh consequences and even land you back in prison. If you were accused of violating parole work with a Memphis probation violation lawyer for skilled legal counsel during your hearings.
What is the Purpose of Parole?
Parole is a benefit and privilege that is allowed to certain individuals who are serving time in prison. Generally, after a certain amount of their sentence is served they can be considered for parole. When deciding whether or not to grant parole a board will review the severity of their crime, whether or not they are remorseful, what they have learned from their imprisonment, their behavior while incarcerated, and more. If they are determined to be deserving of parole they are allowed to be released and serve the remainder of their sentence out in the world. Their freedom is conditional upon certain behaviors. Parole helps ease the transition between incarceration and freedom and promotes safety for the public.
How Does it Work?
When you are released from prison with parole you are assigned a parole officer. Their job is to monitor your behavior and check in with you regularly to ensure you are following the rules of your parole and not posing a danger to the general public. The following are some common terms that parolees must abide by.
- Checking in weekly with their parole officer
- Living within a certain geographical area or county limit
- Not leaving the state or country without permission from their parole officer
- Completing community service
- Not contacting victims related to their crime
- Abiding by a curfew
- Obeying all laws
- Attending drug or alcohol counseling
How Does a Person Violate Parole?
A person can violate parole by behaving in a way that disregards the above conditions. Keep in mind that everyone’s parole will be customized to their situation, so the specific terms will vary. If you disobey any of the conditions of your parole or commit a new crime by breaking a law you are violating your parole and can be penalized.
What Happens if I Get Caught Violating Parole?
If your parole officer believes you have violated the terms of your parole they can submit a report and a warrant will be issued for your arrest. On the other hand, if you violate parole by committing a crime the police can keep you detained.
You will have a hearing where the parole board will examine the evidence and determine whether or not you are in violation of your parole agreement. If you are found in violation there are a few penalties that you might incur.
- You may have additional time added onto the length of your parole
- Your parole might be altered with additional or more strict conditions
- You may be reincarcerated and forced to serve the remainder of your original sentence in prison
- You may be charged and convicted of a new crime and sentenced to jail
