Being released from jail after serving time for a crime should be seen as a second chance to live a productive life. Being paroled after serving a short sentence makes it much easier to make the most of that second chance. Your professional skills will remain current, making your job search easier and minimizing time away from your family.

A perfect example of the second chance that parole offers is the six-figure salary job former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick got when he got out of jail after serving 99 days for obstruction of justice. A perfect example of wasting a second chance is Kilpatrick’s parole violation that resulted in his return to jail. He was fired from his job the day he was found to have violated probation. Once he serves his sentence, he may find the old saying, “opportunity knocks only once,” to be extremely apt.

Parole Revocation

Violation of the terms of your probation may result in your probation being revoked. No matter how much you have to lose, violating your probation will have devastating consequences on your life. If you are suspected of violating your probation, a revocation hearing may be held so that the court can determine if a violation has occurred. At a probation violation hearing, it is not necessary to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor only has to prove that a probation violation occurred by a preponderance of the evidence. The decision is made by the judge.

Common Parole Violations

– Leaving the state without the consent of parole officers

– Change your residence without authorization or notification to your parole officer

– Failure to pay fines or restitution

– Failing a drug or alcohol test

– Being arrested for a new crime

Consequences of Parole Violations

If you are found guilty of a probation violation, the court may continue your probation without punishment, modify the conditions of your probation, extend your probation period, or revoke your probation. If parole is revoked, the original sentence is reactivated.