Parole allows convicted inmates to be released from prison before the end of their sentencing to start a new life outside with supervision. Simply put, the convict on parole is still serving their jail sentence; however, they are allowed to reside on the outside, as long as they adhere to specific rules. With the right level of supervision, release on parole aims to integrate the prisoner back into community as a productive member. Read on to find out more.
Under what conditions is parole permitted?
Note that parole is a privilege and not a right. If a prisoner is eligible for parole, they will appear in front of the parole board with their criminal law attorney and the parole board will start by looking at the convict's conduct during imprisonment and whether the convict has been cited for misbehaviour. If the convict had good behaviour while behind bars, they may be offered parole.
Additionally, the parole board may also consider the age of the prisoner. If the prisoner is very old, they may be offered parole. Also, if the prisoner has served a significant amount of time behind bars and is only left with a short time before being released, then they may be granted parole.
The only prisoners that cannot be granted parole are those serving life imprisonment. Also, perpetrators of major crimes like murder and rape are not eligible for parole.
Parole restrictions
Once granted parole, the parolee has certain restrictions placed on their life while living outside. You are always supposed to report to your parole officer as stipulated in the parole agreement. Failure to report to the parole officer can cause your parole to be cancelled and a warrant issued for your arrest to serve the rest of your sentence in jail, often with no possibility for parole.
Other limitations also apply. The convict must obtain a job. Some jurisdictions have curfews, meaning the parolee has to be indoors during specific hours of the day. The behaviour of the parolee is also a deliberation for cancelling parole. The parolee should not commit any wrongdoing while on parole. If arrested or charged for a crime, the parole is immediately cancelled and the parolee is sent back to jail.
When any of these restrictions are not observed, the parole officer can file for an arrest warrant. All in all, it's important to observe the stipulations that come with parole when on the outside.
Share4 May 2016
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