Congratulations, You’ve Been Granted Parole! Now What?

Did you know that out of everyone released from jail, over 80% get released on parole supervision? Will you soon be one of them?

If you’ve been approved, then it’s crucial to understand what your responsibilities will be upon your release. While you’ll finally be out from behind bars, you’ll likely still be subject to a lot of restrictions. Not sure what to expect or how to proceed? Below, we’ll let you know everything you need to know about getting released on parole.

Parole: The Basics

People often associate parole with early release from prison, but that’s not exactly how the system is set up. When a judge originally hands down a guilty sentence, the possibility of parole is already ingrained into the offender’s penalty.

Once you serve a specific percentage of your sentence, you’ll start to be eligible for parole. Parole is never guaranteed, so don’t assume that you’ll be granted parole simply because you’ve behaved well since getting incarcerated. According to our legal system, parole is a privilege and not a right.

When you become eligible for parole, a parole board will look over your file. They’ll analyze factors like your original crime, your behavior while behind bars, and the likelihood of you reintegrating into society. If they feel you’re a good fit, then they’ll approve you for parole. If not, then you’ll remain incarcerated.

Considering applying for parole? Schedule a consultation with parole attorney Greg Tsioros »

What You Need to Know if You’re Granted Parole

Within a few days of the parole board’s decision, you’ll be informed about the good news. You should get the board’s decision in writing. This important document will describe why the parole board decided you were a good fit for parole.

You’ll need to have a parole plan, which is a plan for what you’ll do once you get released. This plan will need to be approved by the Parole Commission before you get released from prison.

Once granted, you’ll be released on your parole eligibility date. If this date has already gone by, then you’ll likely get released ASAP. You should be given a release certificate. From there, you should go to your approved residence. You’ll need to start reporting to your parole officer within at least three days.

You’ve Been Granted Parole! When Freedom Isn’t Really Free

That’s right! If you were released on parole, then you’re not exactly free to jump-start your life on the outside. Instead, your release will be supervised by a parole officer. You’ll likely have to follow a lot of rules. Here are some of the most common types of conditions you’ll be subject to on parole:

• Reporting to your parole officer on a weekly or monthly basis

• Finding and obtaining legitimate employment

• Securing a stable residence

• Not leaving a specific geographical area without permission from your parole officer

• Agreeing to random searches or drug tests

• Taking educational or rehabilitation courses

• Agreeing to not possess any weapons

Do you think the terms and conditions of your release are unfair? If so, then you do have the right to appeal the conditions of your release. To do so, you’ll need to ask your case manager for an appeal form. While you await a decision, you still must adhere to the original terms, though.

What If I Break the Terms of my Parole?

Remember how we talked about parole being a privilege rather than a right? You’ll need to keep that at the front of your mind after you’re released. While you’re out on parole, you’ll be watched closely. If you break the terms of your parole, then you could be subject to the following penalties:

• Fines

• Revocation of your parole (you’ll be returned to prison)

• Arrest warrant

• New criminal charges

• Increasing the length of your parole

• Increasing the conditions of your parole

Does your parole officer know that you violated the terms of your release? If so, then they’re required by law to report your behavior. Depending on your standing with the officer, they might recommend that the board be lenient on you, though. The Commission puts a great deal of weight onto the parole officer’s recommendations because they’re the ones dealing with you face-to-face.

How Long Will Parole Restrictions Last?

So, how long will you be expected to undergo parole supervision? You’ll likely be supervised up until the maximum expiration date of your original sentence. For many, that could mean years of supervised meetings with their parole officers.

Each year, your parole officer will give an annual report to the Commission. In this report, they’ll detail your progress. They’ll note how you’re adjusting to life on the outside, and they’ll also offer recommendations. If you have a good relationship with your parole officer, then that will pay off during this reporting period. Why’s that?

There are situations in which the Parole Commission decides to allow parolees off of supervision earlier than expected. If your reports are consistently good, then they might decide to terminate your parole. Ultimately, that means you’ll be free to live your life without checking in with your parole officer anymore.

Once you’ve been supervised for more than five years, the Commission must decide to terminate your parole. They can continue the supervision, though, if they have reasons to believe that you’ll violate the law again.

Do you need affordable parole representation? Contact parole lawyer Greg Tsioros today for a free consultation»

What You Need to Know After You’re Granted Parole

Were you recently granted parole? That’s great news. On average, over 2.3 million Americans are sitting in prison. Soon, you won’t be one of them anymore.

While this time is exciting, you’ll need to keep in mind that you’re not completely free upon release. There are still quite a few restrictions you’ll need to abide by. On top of that, you’ll need to meet with a parole officer regularly.

Are you concerned about how to remain compliant while on parole? Are you considering appealing the conditions of your release? Even worse, were you falsely accused of violating parole? Our expert attorneys are prepared to help. Reach out to our office now to speak with one of our representatives about your situation.