What You Need to Know About Super-Intensive Supervision Programs (SISPs)

Prisons are breeding grounds for infectious diseases like COVID-19. According to officials, thousands of Texas inmates tested positive for the virus back in July. In some Texas facilities, more than 25% of the imprisoned inmates were sick with COVID-19.

As a result, lawmakers and concerned citizens have both been advocating for the release of inmates who don’t pose a threat to their communities. Such action would help curb the spread of the virus while inmates serve out their sentences at home.

One option available in Texas right now for high-risk offenders is a Super-Intensive Supervision Program.

What is the Super-Intensive Supervision Program?

So, what exactly are Super-Intensive Supervision Programs (SISPs)? SISPs allow current Texas inmates to get out of jail, but they’re required to adhere to specific terms and conditions if they hope to stay out of jail.

The purpose of SISPs is to help inmates reintegrate into society. Inmates who qualify for SISPs are usually considered ‘high-risk’ offenders, but they’re also seen as good candidates to return to the outside world. If you’re a candidate to enter into an SISP, then you’ll be faced with a lot of restrictions and rules once you get out from behind bars.

Common Terms and Conditions of SISPs

In Texas, every inmate in a SISP will be monitored with GPS technology. That means the authorities will have access to your whereabouts at any point in time. Authorities will also be able to track your movement to see where you frequently visit.

On top of these restrictions, you’ll be on a tight schedule, too. You’ll need to pre-write a schedule that explains how you plan to spend each 24-hour period. These plans will get submitted to your parole officer, who will either approve or deny your schedule.

SISPs are the highest level of inmate monitoring outside of incarceration. You’ll meet with your parole officer at least 15 times each month. On six of these visits, your officer is likely to pop up unexpectedly at your place of employment or residence. Your officer will visit your home at least one time to verify your housing situation.

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What Does High Risk Mean?

In Texas, the majority of inmates placed in Super-Intensive Supervision Programs are considered high risk offenders. High risk offenders are convicted of violent crimes, and the board often believes the person will need more intensive supervision than a typical offender upon release. Here are some of the crimes that could land you in an SISP:

• Unlawful sexual crimes
• Violent behavior
• Gang-related assault or battery
• Any type of gang-related activity
• Weapons-related crimes
• Repeated criminal offenses
• Serious substance abuse-related crimes

All sex offenders are intensely supervised upon release to ensure they comply with their requirements.

Other Forms of Texas Parole

Super-Intensive Supervision Programs aren’t the only form of release available in Texas. Here are a few other types of release:

• Mandatory supervision
• Quarterly reporting
• Probation

Each type of release requires the inmate to obey certain terms and conditions. Any form of violation could result in re-incarceration.

Consequences of Violating the Terms of Your SISP

Did you know that at least 61,000 Americans were re-incarcerated for minor parole violations in 2017? If you’re accused of violating the terms of your SISP, then you’ll be in hot water. Here are the potential consequences of violating your SISP:

• Getting charged with a new criminal violation
• Having your SISP status revoked
• Re-imprisonment
• Fines
• Increased conditions of release

Are you confident that you’ll be able to handle the terms of your release? Not so fast! Be careful not to get over-confident. Keep in mind that you could be charged with violating parole for simply missing an appointment with your parole officer or forgetting to report a change of address.

If you’re accused of violating your SISP, then you’ll be granted a hearing. You’ll have an opportunity to defend yourself. If you find yourself in that type of situation, then it’s a good idea to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help stand by you in court.

Contact parole lawyer Greg Tsioros today»

How to Cope with a Super-Intensive Supervision Program

Have you or a loved one recently been approached about a Super-Intensive Supervision Program? If so, then there’s both good and bad news. For most inmates, getting released from jail is a major priority. The good news is that you or your loved one will be able to finally get out from behind bars.

The bad news is that you must adhere to the terms and conditions of your release program. A failure to do so could result in not only re-imprisonment but potentially new criminal charges as well.

Throughout the program, you need to stay informed about your limitations. Never hesitate to ask your parole officer any questions you have. Try to be as honest as possible about your situation with the parole officer. Remember, if you lie about your whereabouts or employment situation, then your probation officer is likely to find out the truth sooner rather than later.

If possible, maintain your residence with utmost care. Steer clear of any friends, relatives, or areas that could land you in trouble. Never attempt to contact victims of your former crime, even if you wish to sincerely apologize.

If you successfully adhere to all the terms and conditions of the program, then your SISP condition will eventually get withdrawn by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. You’ll have the opportunity to have your case reviewed every year, so be sure to do everything you can to prove you don’t need to be supervised anymore.

What You Need to Know About Super-Intensive Supervision Programs

Now that you know what to expect with a Super-Intensive Supervision Program in Texas, you can prepare yourself or your loved one for the change. Throughout the process, expect to have to strictly obey what your parole officer tells you to do. While you won’t be behind bars anymore, you shouldn’t expect to have much privacy or freedom.

If you get accused of violating the terms of your SISP, then don’t wait to act. You need to contact a criminal defense attorney to help you as soon as possible. Are you looking for a lawyer you can trust? Reach out to our office on our online form now to learn more about how we can help.