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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release Questions — Ask The Inmate

Parole and probation are the two most common forms of supervised release in the American criminal justice system but they work differently and carry different rules and consequences. Parole is granted to someone who has served part of a prison sentence. Probation is typically imposed instead of or alongside a prison sentence. Both involve supervision by an officer, compliance with conditions, and the risk of revocation if those conditions are violated. This section covers the difference between parole and probation, how parole hearings work and what makes a strong case, what supervision conditions typically look like, what happens when a violation is alleged, how to transfer supervision to another state through the Interstate Compact; and what successful completion of supervision looks like. The guidance here is practical and written for people who want to understand the rules clearly enough to follow them without surprises. See also our sections on Release Questions, Halfway House, and Re-entry and Rehabilitation.

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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
How early can a person get paroled on a 44 to 65 months sentence?
Parole is set by the judge who sentenced him.…

Parole is set by the judge who sentenced him. Review the Judgement and Commitment Order to see a parole date. There are no legal maneuvers that will speed up the process. The best advice is to follow the "programming" suggested for him by his counselor and complete as many of these that he can before the parole hearing (if eligible). Compliance, contrition and rehabilitation are what the Board is looking for.
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
Are there home plans available to parole violators with a short sentence?
It is possible, it might be similar to a house arrest-type arrangement, too.…

It is possible, it might be similar to a house arrest-type arrangement, too. Whatever the case, 60 days is a bearable sentence in light of this being a parole violation. By the short sentence imposed, it would appear that the PO had a little more sensibility with a positive THC test than if another drug found. Your girlfriend needs to think before smoking until her parole time is over. Then next violation is going to be a lot longer. It...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
How can you move out of the area if you are on probation?
You will have to petition the Probation Office and get permission to leave to district.…

You will have to petition the Probation Office and get permission to leave to district. Your best chance to gain approval is to show that there is a job and a residence waiting for you. If you can demonstrate moving is a great benefit, it might get it done.
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
What happens to a probationer that failed drug tests?
The violation is the problem.…

The violation is the problem. And you said he failed several. He will have to go before the original sentencing judge to learn his fate. This does not normally go well, as the judge will be deciding the next phase after they already gave your loved one a break. Our guess is that the classes he completed will have little impact on the new sentence - he will probably have to finish out some or all of the remaining time...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
Is a probation violation a separate charge
Funds can be deposited in your inmate's commissary account for the Kenosha County Jail WI 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.govpaynow.com.…

Funds can be deposited in your inmate's commissary account for the Kenosha County Jail WI 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.govpaynow.com. The real issue is the probation violation. We think your unknown court date might have some relation to the VOP. that a probation violation hearing has different standards and process than an underlying criminal charge. Probation cannot be revoked for receiving a new charge, the violation process begins after the new charge. Ther will be...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
My loved one got sentenced, he never got parole or probation, do they ever give parole in jail?
Parole and probation are figured into the offender's Judgement and Commitment document.…

Parole and probation are figured into the offender's Judgement and Commitment document. If there was no mention of parole or probation, then the sentence of nine years is it. With good time credits there is a chance that he does 91.8 months of 108 months imposed. There is no parole in federal but it is available for state sentences.
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
Does an inmate with a revoked probation have any chance at a sentence reduction once imposed?
The probation violation is the problem.…

The probation violation is the problem. The original judge doesn't like to have an offender come back before them after giving them an opportunity with leniency and compassion. Our viewpoint is that he will likely do every single day of this short sentence for the reasons stated.
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
If my inmate got a serve out does that mean he has to stay until his maximum date?
The Parole Board has up to three decision options they can make at a Parole Hearing: Parole, Deferment or a Serve Out.…

The Parole Board has up to three decision options they can make at a Parole Hearing: Parole, Deferment or a Serve Out. A SERVE OUT is where the inmate is required to serve the sentence imposed by the Court, minus any statutory time and other credits received. There are no future parole hearings for those who are served out and the offender is released without supervision.
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
My boyfriend violated with a gun, if the victim drops the charges, would that make a difference?
The violation of probation for the gun charge will trump any and all withdrawal of charges levied by his ex-girlfriend.…

The violation of probation for the gun charge will trump any and all withdrawal of charges levied by his ex-girlfriend. A probation violation with a gun in a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. He will do the balance of his sentence plus the gun charge.
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
Can one visit a family member in jail if they are themselves on probation ?
It is entirely up to the staff and warden if they allow it.…

It is entirely up to the staff and warden if they allow it. Normally, an application for visitation will be summarily rejected for that reason alone. We recommend calling to speak with the counselor or case manager and ask them the protocol for application with special circumstances. Being a relative will increase your chances. Remember to be respectful when you speak with the staff, this is a request that will require some finesse so the nicer you are, the more...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
Parole violator with new charges, where will he do his time?
They will extradite him to New Jersey for the parole violation either before or after he answers these new charges.…

They will extradite him to New Jersey for the parole violation either before or after he answers these new charges. The courts in the two states will work out an agreement to satisfy them both. More than likely, he will have time to finish in New Jersey for the violation and serve another sentence "down south" on these very serious charges. We are dubious that he will be free for a while. The multiple new felony charges will make him...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
How much time will my boyfriend get for a probation violation and a bunch of new charges?
When a probation violation is extremely severe which it appears in the case you've detailed in your question, a probation revocation hearing could be scheduled.…

When a probation violation is extremely severe which it appears in the case you've detailed in your question, a probation revocation hearing could be scheduled. There is no set rule as to what happens immediately after a probation violation is reported. If they are found guilty of probation violation, sentencing will occur shortly after the probation hearing, at which time the court could extend the probation length, impose additional probation terms, order you serve time in jail, or revoke your...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
How long does it take for the parole board to make a decision?
It can take around six months for the whole process to be investigated and for the parole board to make a decision.…

It can take around six months for the whole process to be investigated and for the parole board to make a decision. Once a decision has been made the inmate will usually be told within a few days. The inmate will receive the decision in writing along with the reasons for it. If the prisoner’s application for parole is granted then they will be released on their Parole Eligibility Date (PED). If their PED has passed because their initial application...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
How does an offender handle a probation violation from another jurisdiction?
Regardless of whether he answers the warrant now or later, he will still need to return to Iowa and face the original judge who put him on probation.…

Regardless of whether he answers the warrant now or later, he will still need to return to Iowa and face the original judge who put him on probation. They call this a detainer, where the current holding facility releases the inmate to the jurisdiction where the warrant was written. The likely outcome will be after he finishes his sentence in Illinois, the sheriff or marshal will be waiting to transport him to Iowa to be heard on the violation, and...
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Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
My husband has a parole violation and also caught a new charge how long do you think he will get?
Parole violators are brought before the same judge that imposed the original sentence.…

Parole violators are brought before the same judge that imposed the original sentence. This is problematic because the judge first gave your husband a lenient ruling. Now your husband has to tell the judge why he violated, AND caught a new charge. We do not predict leniency this time around. Most likely he will have to do the amount of time that the parole cut and maybe even more time for the new charge - depending on what it entailed....
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