While incarceration is the most well-known penalty convicted individuals are sentenced to endure, a huge number of convicted individuals serve out their sentence on probation or parole instead. Recent statistics suggest that about 1 in 69 adults were on parole or probation at the end of 2021. Are you interested in learning more about parole, the restrictions associated with it, and whether you’re eligible to apply? Find out everything you need to know about parole below.
What is Parole? A Complete Overview
Parole is an alternative to incarceration that some inmates are eligible to apply for. This type of sentence allows prisoners to fulfill their sentence outside of jail while also reintegrating into society. While they won’t be behind bars any longer, those released will still be heavily monitored and face intense scrutiny. They’ll need to meet several restrictions and remain compliant. A failure to follow restrictions could cause the parolee to get re-incarcerated.
Restrictions You Need to Follow
While on parole, you’ll be considered on conditional release. As part of the conditions of your release, you’ll need to remain in a specific geographical location. If you want to leave that area, then you’ll need direct permission. You will also not be permitted to use drugs or alcohol. Depending on your circumstances, you might also be required to attend recovery meetings, go to behavioral therapy, take drug tests, keep a stable job, and maintain a residence.
Tips for Remaining Compliant
To ensure you remain compliant as a parolee, you need to be fully aware of the restrictions you face. If you’re not sure exactly what you need to do, then be sure to directly ask the board or point of contact before leaving jail. If at any point during your process you feel like you will not be able to uphold your obligations, then get in touch with your officer as soon as possible.
Are You Eligible?
In general, inmates will have to serve out most of their sentence in jail already to become eligible for parole. Parole is not a right. Instead, this type of sentence is discretionary and only given out as a privilege. That said, you can earn parolee status for good behavior, but it’s not something that you’ll automatically get to apply for after serving so much time. After a set number of months or years, you may automatically get a hearing, but that doesn’t mean your parole will be approved. Boards review your charges, behavior in jail, and other factors before making a final decision. Some inmates are never approved for parole.
What to Expect When Your Parole Comes to an End
When you complete your sentence, a hearing will officially release you from your sentence. The length of your term as a parolee will depend on the crime that was committed, your behavior throughout imprisonment and your parole term, and your efforts to reintegrate into society while released. In most cases, parole won’t last longer than five years, but it can last for the rest of a person’s life in some cases.
