05 Sep Your Quick Guide to Parole in Arizona
How does parole work in Arizona? Arizona does offer parole – it’s an opportunity for people who are incarcerated to spend less time in prison. This program is intended to give those who have been charged with a crime the chance to prove that they have made changes for the better. There are several types of parole available for application, not everyone is eligible or able to get parole, and a violation of parole will mean going back to jail or prison.
Parole, while available for many cases, is not automatically guaranteed. To gain parole in Arizona you must apply and your case for parole is reviewed by a parole board. They may or may not accept your appeal for parole. Those who have been convicted of murder must fulfill their entire incarceration period. Those with violent crimes may not be accepted through the parole board.
How Does Parole Work in Arizona?
Parole is a supervised release from jail or prison. This is given to qualifying incarcerated individuals who have applied for it. It’s given for the following reasons, among others:
- Person has served the majority of their sentence (one-half or two-thirds) and has shown to the parole board that they are willing to not follow the same mistakes that led them to their original charges.
- Overcrowding in the jail or prison requires beds to be emptied. Incarcerated individuals who are first-time offenders in good standing will be given parole.
- Changes have occurred in the criminal case and the sentence was subsequently altered.
Parole vs. Probation
Yes, parole is different from probation. While very similar, parole and probation differ according to the justice system. What it means to be on parole in Arizona is: a person in good standing is let out of prison or jail early to finish serving their sentence. Probation is a part of a sentence, and it can be given instead of incarceration.
Maintaining Parole
To continue with parole and avoid going back to prison or jail it is important to follow all the guidelines that the courts set.
Core Guidelines Given to All Parolees
- Avoiding illegal activities
- Passing random drug checks
- Reporting to the parole officer on time
- Paying the restitution to victims
- Keeping employment, participating in vocational training or advancing education
Additional Guidelines Given on a Case-by-Case Basis
- Paying a parole fee
- Attending counseling or treatment
- Maintaining house arrest or curfews
- Avoiding contact with others who have criminal records or links to crime
- Getting approval for certain social gatherings and travel
- Approval before moving to a new address.
A Lawyer Will Fight for Your Right to Parole
Working with a lawyer on your parole application can be the difference between spending your sentence behind bars or out in the community. Todd Coolidge has been working in criminal law for over 25 years. His team knows the ins and outs of the Arizona justice system, and gives each case the utmost respect and time. He understands your time is valuable. Contact us today for a consultation on your case from a certified criminal attorney.
Images used under creative commons licence – commercial use (9/2/24). Photo by Spenser Sembrat on Unsplash.