In the event you violate the terms and conditions of your parole, you may be subject to arrest, hearings, and potentially the revocation of your early conditional release. The severity of the consequences you will face depends on the nature of the violation, your past compliance with parole, and the strength of the evidence gathered by the state.. Read on to discover what happens if you violate your parole and how one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. can help you avoid any instances of this altogether.
What Is the Role of My Parole Officer?
You may be assigned a parole officer almost immediately after your release from a state or local correctional facility. In New Jersey, parole officers are considered to be sworn law enforcement officers who work within the State Parole Board Division of Parole.
Essentially, your parole officer is supposed to serve the role of your supervisor. This is because there are many terms and conditions surrounding your being able to serve the rest of your sentence in the community. So your parole officer is meant to assist you in complying with these terms and conditions. This may entail your attending routine meetings with your parole officer in Gloucester County, or it may include your parole officer randomly visiting your residence at different hours of the day or night, randomly conducting drug tests, etc.
Common Conditions Imposed for Those on Parole
- Regular check-ins with your assigned parole officer
- Residing at an address approved by the parole board
- Requesting permission prior to overnight travel or moving
- Submitting to warrantless searches of your property
- Avoiding the possession of firearms or other weapons
- Refraining from drug and alcohol consumption
- Maintaining regular employment
What Happens if My Parole Officer Finds That I Violated My Parole?
You must understand that being granted parole is a privilege you do not want to take advantage of. The last thing you want is for your parole officer to find out that their suspicions of your violating parole are justified. If you are facing a parole violation in New Jersey, your parole officer has the authority to place you under arrest and initiate proceedings that may ultimately result in your return to prison.
First, you may attend a preliminary hearing. This is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that you seriously or persistently violated your parole in the first place. If this is proven true, a revocation hearing may determine whether there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that revocation is desirable and that you should be returned to custody.
In a worst-case scenario, one possible outcome of your revocation hearing may be that a hearing officer orders you to return to custody with no future parole eligibility term. In a best-case scenario, however, an officer may order you to remain on parole with additional, special conditions to better assist in your rehabilitation within the community.
Potential Consequences of a Parole Violation
- Immediate arrest without a warrant by your parole officer
- Temporary detention while awaiting a preliminary hearing
- A formal parole revocation hearing
- Additional restrictions or conditions as part of your parole
- Loss of parole privileges, resulting in returning to prison to serve the remainder of your sentence
- In severe cases, loss of future parole possibilities
What Happens if I’m Accused of Violating My Parole in Gloucester County?
Unfortunately, you may find that you are accused of a parole violation even if the situation was a misunderstanding or a seemingly minor mistake. However, parole officers are allowed to act on reasonable suspicion, meaning they may make an arrest with minimal evidence.
Scenarios that Often Lead to Parole Violation Accusations
- Missing a meeting with your parole officer
- Failing a drug or alcohol test
- Traveling without prior approval from your parole officer
- Being found in close proximity to restricted individuals or locations
- Being arrested or charged with another criminal offense while on parole
What Should I Do if I’m Facing a Parole Violation in New Jersey?
If you are accused of violating the terms and conditions of your parole in Gloucester County, taking immediate actions can help strengthen your chances of receiving a favorable outcome.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Parole Violation Accusation
- Remain calm and compliant with the instructions of your parole officer or law enforcement
- Do not attempt to explain the violation
- Do not make any statements to law enforcement without your attorney present
- Gather any documentation you have that shows your prior compliance with parole terms
- Connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you prepare for a preliminary and revocation hearing
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
So if you are facing a preliminary and/or revocation hearing that threatens your parole eligibility, what you need the most is likely strong legal representation from one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers. Someone at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. is looking forward to your phone call. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you during these difficult times.
