Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner before the expiry of their sentence and after serving the minimum sentence. If you are released on parole, you must abide by the conditions of your release, or you may face certain legal penalties.
The Parole Board sets these conditions, which may include:
- Maintain regular contact with the parole supervision staff
- Abide by municipal, county, federal and state criminal statutes (Do not break the law)
- Refrain from owning or possessing a firearm or other weapons
- Pay fines and costs imposed by the sentencing
- Do not contact victims or other persons of interests
- Live at the residence approved by the Board, among others
The Parole Board may impose additional parole conditions on you, depending on the specifics of your crime.
Consequences for violating parole
You may get additional parole restrictions if you violate the terms of your parole by breaking curfew, changing your residence without permission or failing to report to your parole supervisor as instructed. Such restrictions include increased urine testing, enrollment in a treatment program and stricter curfews, among others.
You may return to jail depending on the frequency and severity of your parole violations.
However, if you violate parole by committing a new crime, you may be held in custody until your case is completed, even if you post bail. Additionally, there is a possibility of returning to jail to serve the remainder of your sentence before parole, with no credit for the days you were free if you are found guilty of the crime.
Reach out for help
Violating parole can have dire consequences, and you should do everything possible to protect your freedom and interests. The subsequent parole violation hearings could determine your fate, and it is best to seek legal counsel.