What is Violation of Parole?
Parole is a probationary period that a prisoner serves after being released from prison, during which they are required to follow strict guidelines and regulations to prove themselves to be a reformed individual and to decrease the risk of re-offending. A violation of parole occurs when an individual fails to comply with the terms of their parole agreement. This can lead to severe consequences, including being returned to prison or having their parole term extended.
What is a Parole Agreement?
A parole agreement, also known as a condition of parole, is a set of rules that a person must follow while on parole. These rules are specific to each individual and may include:
• Conditions of supervision, such as regular check-ins with a parole officer
• Work or school requirements, such as maintaining employment or attending educational institutions
• Residence requirements, such as staying within a specific geographic area
• Counseling and treatment requirements, such as attending therapy or substance abuse treatment
• Surrender requirements, such as surrendering firearms or other prohibited items
Types of Violations
There are several types of violations that can occur, including:
• Technological violations, such as failing to report to a parole officer or failing to wear an electronic monitoring device
• Curfew violations, such as violating a set curfew time
• Residency violations, such as staying outside of a designated residence area
• Job or school violations, such as failing to maintain employment or attend school
• Counseling and treatment violations, such as failing to attend therapy sessions or treatment programs
• Surrender violations, such as failing to surrender prohibited items
Consequences of Violations
The consequences of a parole violation can be severe and may include:
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Return to prison | The individual may be returned to prison to complete their original sentence |
| Extension of parole | The individual’s parole term may be extended for a period of time |
| Loss of benefits | The individual may lose access to benefits, such as employment or housing assistance |
| Increased monitoring | The individual’s parole officer may increase monitoring and supervision |
Ways to Avoid Violation
To avoid violating parole, individuals can take several steps, including:
• Attending regular check-ins with their parole officer
• Complying with all conditions of their parole agreement
• Maintaining employment or attending school
• Staying within a designated residence area
• Attending counseling and treatment sessions as required
• Surrendering prohibited items as required
Coping with a Parole Violation
If a parole violation does occur, it is important to act quickly and seek legal guidance. The individual can appeal the decision if they believe they did not violate their parole agreement, or they can work to resolve the issue and reduce the consequences. In some cases, community corrections programs may be able to provide an alternative to prison time, such as community service or counseling.
Conclusion
Violating parole can have serious consequences for an individual, including returning to prison or having their parole term extended. By understanding the conditions of parole and taking steps to comply with them, individuals can avoid violating parole and get back on the path to a successful and law-abiding life. If a violation does occur, seeking legal guidance and acting quickly can help to minimize the consequences and provide a roadmap for getting back on track.
