June 19, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Parole allows a person to leave prison early and finish the remainder of their sentence while being supervised in the community. Unlike probation—which is typically an alternative to incarceration ordered by a judge instead of jail time—parole comes after someone has already spent some portion of their sentence in prison.
Understanding how parole works and what the consequences of violating it are is essential for defendants during a criminal defense.
Common Parole Violations
Parole comes with strict rules, and breaking any of them can lead to serious consequences. Here are some of the most common reasons a person might be found in violation of parole:
Missing a Required Meeting with a Parole Officer
People on parole are typically required to check in regularly with their parole officer. Missing an appointment or not staying in touch is a common reason for a parole violation.
Failing a Drug or Alcohol Test
Many parolees must avoid drugs and alcohol as part of their release conditions. Testing positive on a drug or alcohol screen is a frequent and serious violation.
Breaking Curfew or Geographic Limits
Some individuals on parole must follow specific curfews or are banned from traveling outside a particular area. Violating these rules, even by accident, can land someone back in custody.
Getting Arrested or Charged with a New Crime
If a parolee commits or is even accused of another crime while on parole, this is treated as a major violation, often resulting in immediate consequences like being returned to prison. This is especially serious if the new crime is charged as a felony.
Ignoring Other Specific Conditions
Parole may come with extra requirements, such as attending counseling, completing education programs, or avoiding certain people. Going against any of these can result in a violation.
Violating parole, even in what might seem like small ways, can quickly lead to being sent back to prison, so it’s always best to be aware of and strictly follow all release conditions.
Consequences of Violating Parole
Violating the terms of parole can lead to a range of serious consequences, which are determined by the nature and severity of the violation. Here’s what can happen if someone on parole breaks the rules:
Warning or Formal Reprimand
For minor infractions or first-time slip-ups, the parole officer might issue a warning or a formal written reprimand. This lets the parolee know the behavior must stop, but it does not immediately lead to more jail time.
Increased Supervision or Stricter Conditions
Sometimes, the defendant may receive new rules or increased supervision. This could mean more frequent check-ins, stricter curfews, or required participation in additional programs like counseling or drug treatment if the issue is drug-related.
Short-Term Jail Stays
For more serious or repeated violations, a judge might order a brief stay in jail as a consequence but still allow parole to continue afterward.
Parole Revocation and Return to Prison
In cases of major violations, like committing a new crime or repeated and unaddressed infractions, parole can be revoked entirely. The person will then be sent back to prison to finish all of their original sentence.
Any parole violation should be taken seriously, as it can quickly result in losing your freedom and serving additional time behind bars.
Contact a Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help After You Violate Parole
If you’ve violated the terms of your parole, taking the proper steps as soon as possible can help protect your rights and future:
- Consult a criminal defense lawyer: Having an attorney by your side can make a big difference. A lawyer can explain your rights, represent you in hearings, and guide you through the legal process that follows a parole violation.
- Understand possible defenses: Sometimes, you might not have known about a specific condition of your parole, misunderstood a rule, or had unavoidable circumstances get in the way (like a medical emergency or lack of transportation). These issues can sometimes serve as defenses or justifications.
- Negotiation for reduced sentences: Your lawyer may be able to negotiate with parole officers or the court to reduce your punishment or to have you return to parole with new or modified conditions instead of going back to prison.
Don’t face a parole violation alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers.
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