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What Actions can Result in Parole Revocation?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are several issues that may lead to parole revocation. One is a criminal act committed by a parolee after his release from prison. Another is the violation of the terms of one’s parole, even if the violation is not normally considered a crime. In many jurisdictions, a person may also have his parole revoked if his behavior leads law officials to believe he represents a significant danger to others. In some cases, a person’s parole may even be revoked because he was originally released from prison in error.

One of the fastest and surest ways to have one's parole revoked is to commit a crime after being released from jail. Typically, parolees are expected to maintain clean criminal records once they are out of prison. For example, if a parolee if caught in possession of illegal drugs or serving alcoholic beverages to minors, he may be required to return to prison. Depending on the jurisdiction, even a single arrest for a minor charge may be enough to result in a parole revocation.

When a parolee commits a crime, they are often sent back to prison.
When a parolee commits a crime, they are often sent back to prison.

When parole is granted, there are terms to which the parolee must adhere. For example, the parolee may be required to check in with his parole officer on a regular basis or stay within the jurisdiction’s boundaries. In some cases, a parolee may also be required to maintain employment or submit to drug testing as a condition of his parole. Sometimes, a parolee may even be restricted from socializing with people who have criminal records or are drinking alcohol or using drugs. Parole revocation becomes a possibility when a person violates such terms.

Because parole is a conditional early release, offenders who violate parole usually return to prison.
Because parole is a conditional early release, offenders who violate parole usually return to prison.

Sometimes, parole revocation is the result of a parolee’s behavior. Usually, a prisoner is eligible for parole, in part, because he is not believed to represent a significant danger to society. In the event that law officials have evidence that he is a danger, the parolee may face parole revocation. In most cases, however, the evidence against the parolee must be reliable and significant rather than based mostly on speculation or hearsay.

A single arrest may result in parole revocation.
A single arrest may result in parole revocation.

Interestingly, a person may also face parole revocation because of an error of some sort. For example, if a prison system paroles a prisoner who should not have been eligible for release, the prisoner may have to return to jail once the mistake is discovered. Depending on the laws in his jurisdiction and the specifics of his prison sentence, he may be legitimately paroled at a later date.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • When a parolee commits a crime, they are often sent back to prison.
      By: angelo.gi
      When a parolee commits a crime, they are often sent back to prison.
    • Because parole is a conditional early release, offenders who violate parole usually return to prison.
      By: kanvag
      Because parole is a conditional early release, offenders who violate parole usually return to prison.
    • A single arrest may result in parole revocation.
      By: jinga80
      A single arrest may result in parole revocation.
    • Sometimes called “early release,” parole is often used as a means of reward for someone who demonstrates a real desire to change or improve himself or herself while in prison.
      By: Jean-Jacques Cordier
      Sometimes called “early release,” parole is often used as a means of reward for someone who demonstrates a real desire to change or improve himself or herself while in prison.