If you violate parole, you can face a variety of consequences and potentially end up back in prison. For more information and legal advice, set up your free consultation with a knowledgeable Cobb County criminal lawyer today.

What is Parole?

Parole is a legal system that allows the early release of prisoners on the condition that they are supervised and abide by certain rules. They are not necessarily free, but they are permitted to serve the remainder of their sentence out in the community while building relationships and returning to their lives.

Some of the most common parole conditions include the following.

  • Regular check-ins with a parole officer
  • Abiding by a curfew
  • Abstaining from drugs and alcohol
  • Refraining from contact with individuals engaged in criminal activity
  • Refraining from contact with victims of previous crimes
  • Submitting to random drug and alcohol testing
  • Submitting to random searches of your home and other property
  • Maintaining steady employment
  • Informing the parole officer of changes in employment or addresses
  • Obeying all laws

If you act in opposition to any of these conditions (or the ones unique to your situation), it can be considered a violation of parole, and you could wind up facing significant consequences.

What Happens if I Violate Parole in GA?

If you are arrested for an alleged violation of your parole, you will attend a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause or reasonable grounds to believe that you have committed actions that constitute a violation. A hearing officer will conduct the preliminary hearing and inform you of the charges against you.

At the hearing, you will be allowed to appear and speak on your behalf, present witnesses to testify, produce evidence like letters, documents, and other information, cross-examine witnesses, and make an argument with the help of your attorney.

If it is determined that there is probable cause that you violated parole, a final revocation hearing will be scheduled, and you can be either released or detained until the date of the hearing.

The final hearing will be held in front of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether you committed any actions that would constitute a violation of the conditions of your parole and whether your behavior warrants a revocation of your release.

If it has been determined that you did violate parole, one of two things can happen. First, your parole can be revoked, and you can return to prison to serve the remainder of your sentence. However, the board may decide not to revoke your privileges and instead allow you to be reinstated on parole. If reinstated, you may be subject to changes in the conditions of your parole, like more stringent rules or increased supervision.

For more information on the possible outcomes of a parole violation, work with an experienced defense attorney at Williamson Legal, P.C. today.