Parole gives convicts an opportunity to reintegrate into society after release from jail. During this period, the parolee must adhere to specific terms and conditions of the parole. Because parole tests an individual’s readiness to integrate with the public, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision states that failure to comply has serious consequences.
The repercussions of a parole violation depend on several factors, including the severity of the offense, the parole officer’s recommendation and the decision of the parole board. If you violated your parole, a criminal attorney in White Plains may be able to help.
Call the Law Offices of Darren DeUrso at 914-772-8614 to find out if you may be able to avoid going back to jail. In the meantime, read on for three steps you must take after a parole violation:
- Attend the Preliminary Hearing
After arrest for a parole violation, there is usually a preliminary hearing. Parole board officers will listen to the evidence and decide if a parole violation actually occurred.
If officers from the parole board decide there is enough evidence to prove a parole violation, they will schedule a revocation hearing for a later date. Until then, you might have to remain in custody, depending on what the parole board decides at the preliminary hearing.
- Prepare for the Parole Revocation Hearing
The parole board will decide your fate at the revocation hearing, and you should prepare a defense to explain your violation. There are several possible sentences following a parole violation.
Sending you back to jail is just one option. The officers overseeing the case could also decide to transfer you to a substance abuse rehab center, for example, or allow you to remain on parole under similar or modified terms and conditions.
When making this decision, the parole board will look at several factors, including the nature and severity of the violation, how much time you still have left on parole and your behavior outside of the offense.
- Defend against the Charge of Parole Violation
You have the opportunity to provide the parole board with evidence that you did not violate the terms of your parole. If possible, proving no violation offers the best prospects for you because you could potentially walk away without facing any consequences. A criminal lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a convincing defense.
If you did violate your parole, you have the right to explain yourself and to justify your actions. For example, you could prove that the violation was either accidental or unavoidably necessary. However, these types of defenses require a comprehensive legal plan.
The serious nature of a parole violation makes it crucial that you determine the best course of action to prevent your return to jail. The Law Offices of Darren DeUrso is available to offer advice about your specific circumstances. Call 914-772-8614 today for aggressive legal representation.