What Happens if You Violate Parole? What Are the Consequences?
Due to good behavior, a prisoner may be granted parole. Parole is a prisoner’s supervised release before their sentence is completed. The ultimate goal is to reintegrate individuals into society while maintaining some oversight level. However, with parole comes specific conditions that must be strictly followed.
Common Types of Parole Violations
Violating parole conditions can have serious consequences. Some of the most common types of parole violations include:
Technical Violations
Technical violations occur when a parolee fails to meet specific parole conditions. Examples include missing a scheduled meeting with a parole officer, failing a drug test, or violating curfew.
New Criminal Offenses
This type of violation involves committing a new crime while on parole – like possessing a controlled substance. Engaging in illegal activities during the parole period can lead to immediate parole revocation and additional charges, resulting in extended imprisonment. This is particularly problematic if the new offense is a felony.
Failure to Maintain Employment or Housing
One common condition of parole is the requirement to secure and maintain stable employment and housing. Failure to fulfill these requirements can be seen as a violation, as stable living and working conditions are important for successful reintegration into society.
Associating with Known Criminals
Parolees are generally prohibited from associating with known criminals to minimize the risk of reoffending. Being in contact with individuals involved in criminal activities constitutes a violation and can jeopardize parole status, leading to further legal consequences.
Adhering to parole conditions is essential to avoid violations and ensure a successful transition back into society.
What Happens After a Parole Violation?
When a parole violation occurs, the consequences can vary depending on the severity and nature of the infringement. Here’s an overview of what happens right after a violation:
Notification to Parole Officer
When a parole violation is suspected or reported, the parole officer is promptly notified. This notification can come from various sources, such as law enforcement agencies, electronic monitoring systems, or reports from the community. The parole officer then initiates a review of the parolee’s status and the specifics of the alleged violation.
Investigation
Following the notification, the parole officer conducts a preliminary investigation to gather facts and assess the severity of the alleged violation.
Parole Revocation Hearing
If the preliminary investigation suggests a violation occurred, a formal parole revocation hearing will likely be scheduled. During this hearing, both the parolee and the parole officer present evidence and witnesses to support their case. The hearing officer or parole board evaluates the evidence and determines whether a violation has actually taken place.
Potential Consequences of a Parole Violation
In the event that a parole violation is confirmed, several potential consequences may follow, depending on the specifics of the case and the parolee’s history.
Warning or Adjustment to Parole Conditions
In minor cases of parole violations, the parole officer may decide to issue a warning or make slight adjustments to the existing parole conditions. This serves as a corrective measure, allowing the parolee an opportunity to rectify their behavior without facing severe penalties.
Increased Restrictions
For more serious or repeated violations, the parole conditions may be revised to include increased restrictions. These can involve stricter curfews, mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs, or more frequent reporting to the parole officer. These measures aim to provide additional supervision and support to prevent further violations.
Re-incarceration
In severe cases or when the parolee persistently fails to comply with parole conditions, the parole officer may recommend re-incarceration. The parolee may be sent back to prison to serve the remainder of their original sentence, revoking their conditional release.
New Criminal Charges
If the parole violation involves the commission of a new crime, the parolee can also face new criminal charges and additional penalties.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers from Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the Providence criminal defense law firm of Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation, give us a call at (401) 854-7794.
We serve throughout Providence County in Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys – Providence Office
101 Dyer St Suite 2D,
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 854-7794