Being released from jail after serving a sentence 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 your time away from your family.
A perfect example of the second chance parole offers is the six-figure salary job former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick got out of jail after serving 99 days for obstruction of justice. A perfect example of wasting a second chance is Kilpatrick’s probation violation that resulted in his return to jail. He was fired from his job the day it was found that he had violated probation. Once you serve your sentence, you may find the old saying, “opportunity only strikes once,” is extremely appropriate.
Revocation of parole
Violation of the terms of your parole may result in revocation of your parole. No matter how much or little you have to lose, violating your probation will have devastating consequences on your life. If a violation of your probation is suspected, a revocation hearing may be held so that the court can determine if a violation has occurred. In a probation violation hearing, it is not necessary to show that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor only has to prove that a probation violation occurred by preponderance of the evidence. The decision is made by the judge.
Common Probation Violations
– Leaving the state without the consent of probation officers
– Change of residence without authorization or notification to your probation officer
– Failure to pay fines or restitution.
– Failing a drug or alcohol test.
– Being arrested for a new crime.
Consequences of probation violations
If you are found guilty of a probation violation, the court may continue probation without punishment, modify the conditions of probation, extend the period of probation, or revoke the probation. If probation is revoked, the original sentence is reactivated.