27 Apr A Parole Violation Can Send You Back to Prison
When someone is released on parole, they have to sign a contract and agree to certain terms of parole. If they violate those terms by doing something that they are not allowed to, or they are charged with another crime, they could end up back in prison. A parole violation can be anything from possessing a weapon to traveling outside the state to failing to meet with a parole officer.
The consequences of violating parole can range from a warning to a warrant and additional time behind bars. Multiple small violations can send someone back to prison just as easily as one big violation. If you want to keep your parole status, you need to be very careful to follow the terms set in your original release contract.
Two Categories of Parole Violations
A parole violation can be anything from possessing a weapon to traveling outside the state to failing to meet with a parole officer. While many conditions of parole are common, like not leaving your judicial district, not all contracts are the same. If you are on parole, you need to read your parole contract thoroughly and make sure you understand all of its terms.
The two most common types of violations are technical (violating the rules within the conditions of the release contract) or criminal (breaking the law while on parole).
Technical Violations
- Failure to report to your parole officer.
- Failure to complete mandatory counseling or educational programs.
- Using drugs or alcohol.
- Being out after curfew, outside of your designated areas, or traveling without permission.
- Failure to maintain a residence or job.
- Failure to pay any fines, fees, or restitution owed.
- Possession of a controlled substance or deadly weapon.
- Contacting victims, conspirators, or known felons.
New Charges or Arrests
Criminal activity is always a parole violation. If you get caught in the act of committing a crime or arrested as a suspect in a new crime, it could mean the end of your parole. While parole may be reinstated after an arrest, you will still be incarcerated until a decision is made or the charges are dismissed.
The Consequences of Parole Violations in Arizona
1: Changes to the Conditions of Parole
For minor violations, the parole officer or board might opt to change the conditions of parole rather than take it away. This could mean changing residences or employment, earlier curfew times, or mandatory treatment programs.
2: Issue of a Warrant
The burden of proof for a warrant is lower when the suspect is on parole. That means any violations, even suspect ones, can result in an arrest warrant. While an arrest warrant does not always mean losing parole, you may need a lawyer’s help to stay out of prison.
3: Revocation of Parole
Certain types of violations or multiple violations could mean the end of your parole. Revocation of parole means you need to go back to prison and serve the rest of your sentence. Once parole is revoked, it can be complicated to get it back. You will need to go through a re-application process, and there are often even stricter restrictions when parole is approved a second time.
4: Additional Incarceration Time
If you are convicted of another crime while on parole, your prison term may be extended. The more convictions you have on your record, the higher the sentences are for new offenses. Committing certain types of crimes (such as dangerous crimes) while on parole automatically means getting the maximum sentence. You may need to serve additional time in prison as well as losing eligibility for parole.
For example, if someone on parole commits armed robbery the sentence would increase to 23 years, because this counts as a second offense. Or it could go up by 35 years if they have previous felonies. But that isn’t all!. If there are any other aggravating circumstances (like if the victim was a child), there could be an addition of up 25% of the maximum years added to the sentence.
Think You’re in Violation? Arrested While on Parole? You Need an Attorney!
In Arizona, parole is considered a privilege, and the state takes violations very seriously. Do you need help understanding the exact terms of your parole? Are you worried about a possible violation? We can help. Is there a warrant out for your arrest? Have you been charged with a new crime? Then you need a certified defense lawyer who can argue your case and help you keep your parole.
Here at Coolidge Law Firm, we are committed to our clients, no matter what. You deserve a lawyer who is on YOUR side! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/27/26.