What to Do If You’re Charged with Violating Parole

What to Do If You’re Charged with Violating Parole

If you are granted paroles, you are held to a high set of expectations. Beyond the regulations and accountability, however, parolees have rights to due process if your parole is revoked.

Reasons Parole Can be Revoked

When granted parole, typical conditions involve obeying all laws and not being arrested. If your offense is alcohol or drug-related, you will likely be ordered not to use controlled substances and may be subject to testing. You must comply with orders to appear in court and report to your parole officer for regular updates and evaluation. Failure to do any of the outlined requirements of the terms of your parole may result in revocation.

What you Should do

If it all possible, you should retain legal counsel from a criminal law firm in Columbia md to advise and represent you. Parole revocation is serious business and could easily result in incarceration. If you have been wrongly accused of the violation, lawyers will help you fight the charge. If you committed the violation, they can negotiate the best possible outcome. While it may be tempting to try to ignore it or, worse, leave the area, it’s best to confront this issue head-on.

What to Expect Next

People accused of violating a parole are granted a preliminary hearing before a parole board officer. You will be notified in writing of when the hearing will occur. The officer will present evidence. The parolee may answer questions or issue statements, but they are not obligated to do so legally. After the preliminary hearing, the officer will submit their recommendation to the parole board, who will either accept or overrule their findings. If they accept, a final hearing takes place, where the board votes and majority rules.

A parole violation is a serious charge. Knowing your rights and what to expect can help you prepare to face it.