Probation and parole allow convicted offenders to avoid incarceration or to serve only a portion of their court-ordered sentence. The goal of conditional release through the Florida Department of Corrections is to reform and rehabilitate criminal offenders. Probation and parole programs reduce recidivism by providing structured, court-ordered supervision and resources to facilitate a successful release.
Violations of probation and parole are categorized as direct or technical offenses. A direct violation involves committing a new crime while on probation or parole. A technical violation is acting in non-compliance with the terms and conditions set forth by the authorities for a release into the community.
Prisoners become eligible for parole if the parole board finds them capable of reintegrating into society for the remainder of their sentence. If granted parole, the parolee has conditional freedom. They remain under supervision by a parole officer. Parolees can be offered transitional services such as housing, mental health services, assistance with employment, and other resources. Failure to comply with the conditions and terms of the release agreement can result in parole violation proceedings and further incarceration.
As a former police office and prosecutor, Attorney Jimmie Sparrow has a keen understanding of the parole system. At a parole violation hearing, he can aggressively protect his clients’ rights by presenting evidence and witness testimony. He can establish that the parolee is not a threat to public safety and deserves another chance. He can engage in negotiations to modify the terms and conditions of release, such as adjusting the supervision provisions.
Probation is a court-ordered sanction for low-risk offenders’ release, instead of serving time in prison. An individual who is on probation is subject to a probation officer’s supervision. Depending on the severity of the crime, an offender may be placed on regular probation, administrative probation, drug offender probation, sex offender probation, or community control. Probation officers supervise offenders through contacts in the home, place of employment, and other community locations.
If your probation or the probation of someone you love is at risk of being revoked due to violating the terms and conditions of release, Sparrow Law Office, P.A. can advocate on the offender’s behalf to avoid incarceration. Options may include additional fines, lengthening probation, attending counseling or other treatment programs. Or, modifications of an offender’s terms and conditions may be appropriate due to changes in life circumstances.
