If you are charged with a criminal offense, you will be subjected to different penalties depending on the severity of your crime. A majority of criminal offenses, however, result in jail time. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be offered parole. Essentially, parole is offered to certain inmates that have served a certain percentage of their sentence. Those convicted of serious criminal offenses such as murder, rape, or drug trafficking are typically not eligible for this type of conditional freedom. However, if the parole board deems it reasonable, meaning you served a portion of your sentence and you do not pose a general threat to the public’s safety, you may be granted parole which allows you to re-enter society as long as you adhere to certain conditions. If you violate the conditions of your parole, you will face significant penalties. Keep following along and contact a knowledgeable Monmouth County Criminal Defense Attorney to learn what the potential consequences may be for parolees that do not adhere to their conditional freedom.
What are the potential consequences of violating my parole?
If you violate parole conditions in New Jersey, your parole officer will report it and you will be brought before the parole board. A hearing will be conducted where the appropriate authorities will evaluate the circumstances of your infringement. Depending on the severity of your violation, they may impose stricter conditions or you could be sent back to jail to serve the remainder of your sentence. If you commit a major violation the board may require that you serve additional jail time, more than your original sentence. This is usually the case if your violation involves committing a new offense or being involved in any type of criminal activity. To avoid being sent back into custody, parolees must adhere to the conditions of their parole. Typically parolees will have to comply with the following conditions:
- Regularly meet with an appointed parole officer.
- Follow a curfew.
- Maintain employment.
- Refrain from drug and alcohol use.
- Attend drug and alcohol treatment programs.
- Submit drug and alcohol tests.
- Maintain a residence.
- Comply with travel restrictions (must obtain permission from a designated parole officer to travel or move out of a certain geographical area).
- Avoid committing a new offense or having any involvement in criminal activity.
- Do not associate with a person the court ordered you to avoid.
The above-listed are only some of the many parole conditions parolees have to comply with to maintain their conditional freedom. If you are eligible for parole, it is imperative to abide by the terms of your parole to ensure you do not go back to jail.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one have been accused of violating your parole, it is paramount that you acquire the right legal representation to help you maintain your conditional freedom. Our skilled team members defend our client’s rights and interests. Allow us to fight on your behalf today!