Parole: a second chance for a convicted felon
Being released from jail after serving time for a crime should be seen as a second chance to live a productive life. Being released on parole 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 family.
A perfect example of the second chance parole offers is the six-figure salary job former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick landed upon his release from jail after serving 99 days in prison 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 he was found to have violated probation. Once he serves his sentence, he may find the old saying, “chance only knocks once”, extremely apt.
Revocation of probation
Violation of the terms of your probation may result in revocation of probation. No matter how much you have to lose, violating your probation will have devastating consequences on your life. If it is suspected that you have violated your probation, a revocation hearing may be held so that the court can determine whether a violation has occurred. At a probation violation hearing, you do not need to prove that you are guilty 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 Probation Violations
– Leaving the state without the consent of the probation officers
– Changing your 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 probation. If probation is revoked, the original sentence is reinstated.