Violating the terms of your parole can have serious consequences in New Jersey. Depending on your circumstances, you could face parole revocation—and, if you have been charged with another crime, additional prison time. To protect yourself, you should hire an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer right away.
When you have been imprisoned for a crime, getting out on parole can truly provide a new lease on life. But while you are on parole, you must strictly comply with the conditions of your release—and, if you fail to do so, you can face serious consequences.
In New Jersey, the specific consequences of a parole violation depend on the circumstances involved. As a result, if you have violated the terms of your parole, you should consult with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer promptly. An experienced lawyer will be able to assess your situation, help you make informed decisions, and represent you before the State Parole Board's Revocation Hearing Unit if necessary.
What are the Consequences of Violating Parole in New Jersey?
When assessing potential penalties for parole violations, parole officers and the State Parole Board's Revocation Hearing Unit consider several factors. If you have violated the terms of your parole, emphasizing the factors that are beneficial to your defense could help you avoid unnecessary consequences. Some examples of factors that can be important in New Jersey parole violation cases include:
- The nature and severity of the violation
- The reason for the violation (i.e., an honest mistake or substance dependence)
- Whether you have undertaken any efforts to rehabilitate or seek treatment
- Whether you have any prior history of parole violations
These factors (among others) can lead to varying outcomes. Broadly, the potential consequences of violating parole in New Jersey include:
- Continued Parole – If your parole violation was relatively minor and you have a strong history of compliance, your parole officer may determine that punitive action is unwarranted. However, a violation on your record could increase your risk of committing another violation in the future.
- Continued Parole with Additional Conditions – In some cases, violations can lead to additional conditions of parole. While this may not be ideal, if it allows you to avoid prison time, it could be the best-case outcome under the circumstances.
- Short-Term Incarceration – Parole violations can lead to short-term incarceration in some cases as well. This is not a full parole revocation, and you should receive a new eligibility date commensurate with the severity of the violation.
- Parole Revocation – Serious violations can lead to full parole revocation. If your parole is revoked, you will be sent back to prison to serve the remainder of your original sentence.
Parolees accused of violations can be detained pending a probable cause hearing; and, when a parole violation also constitutes a criminal offense, it can lead to prosecution in state court. For many parolees, facing criminal charges in this scenario will result in being prosecuted as a repeat offender.
What Should I Do if I Violated the Terms of My Parole?
If you have violated the terms of your parole in New Jersey, you should promptly hire an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can help you make informed decisions about your next steps. You need to be very careful in this scenario. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you avoid costly assumptions and mistakes; and, if you need to attend a hearing, your lawyer will be able to help protect you by all means available.
FAQs: Protecting Yourself After a Parole Violation in New Jersey
Should I tell my parole officer that I violated the terms of my parole?
Before you contact your parole officer, you should consult with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer to make sure you do not say or do anything that could make your situation worse than necessary. While it may be in your best interests to tell your parole officer that you violated the terms of your parole, you need to make an informed decision based on the specific circumstances at hand.
How is parole revoked in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the State Parole Board's Revocation Hearing Unit handles parole revocation proceedings. If your parole officer refers your case to the State Parole Board (or recommends that you be detained), the State Parole Board will schedule a probable cause hearing. If a Hearing Officer finds probable cause to believe revocation may be warranted, a hearing will then be scheduled before the Revocation Hearing Unit.
Is it possible to avoid being sent back to prison for a parole violation in New Jersey?
While it is generally possible to avoid being sent back to prison for a parole violation in New Jersey, the likelihood of avoiding incarceration varies from case to case. To help maximize your chances of avoiding a parole revocation, you should engage an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer promptly.
How a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer at Our Firm Can Help
At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., we have extensive experience representing clients who have violated parole terms. If you need to protect yourself after a parole violation in New Jersey, we can use our experience to help you by all available means. We can communicate with your parole officer on your behalf and represent you before the State Parole Board's Revocation Hearing Unit if necessary. If you have been charged with a crime, we can also represent you in court.
Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation Today
To speak with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. about your parole violation in confidence, contact us today. Call us at 877-435-6371 or tell us how we can contact you online to arrange a confidential consultation.