Is it a parole violation to miss a meeting with my parole officer?

Parole occurs when people convicted of a crime are released after they’ve completed part of their prison sentence. Depending on individuals specific circumstances, parole typically include terms such as not associating with other convicted criminals, staying out of trouble and meeting with a parole officer. Individuals are required to meet with a parole officer either on every day, every month or bi-monthly. More importantly, they must make every meeting. If they don’t they are in violation of their parole. Parole violation consequences differ depending on state laws and crimes committed. For instance, individuals may be placed under electronic surveillance. However, parole violation can harsh. The violation can include a revocation of parole. This means people return to prison to complete the rest of their months or years of their sentences. Parole officers can request individuals immediately return to prison or they can be ordered back to prison after a parole hearing.

If the courts don’t order individuals back to prison, then they may receive house arrest or ordered into a treatment program. Typically, people are ordered into a treatment program depending on the original reason they were sentenced to prison and why they violated parole.

Violating parole is has serious consequences. Thus, anyone who has violated parole should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. The lawyer will generally review people’s cases and reasons for missing parole. Also, the criminal defense lawyer will work to keep individuals from returning to prison.