What Happens After a Parole Violation in Michigan?

If you are being released from a Michigan prison on parole, it is crucial that you understand what can happen if you are found in violation of the terms of your freedom. To learn more and secure skilled representation, contact a knowledgeable Upper Peninsula criminal defense lawyer today.

What is Parole?

Parole is a form of early release granted to certain convicted individuals who have already served part of their sentence in prison but are deemed eligible for supervised release. Parole allows individuals to reintegrate into society while being supervised and abiding by certain rules and regulations.

The Michigan Parole Board and Field Operations Administration (FOA) are responsible for granting and monitoring parole. Once it has been granted, the parolee is placed under the supervision of a parole officer and is required to comply with specific conditions set by the board. Examples of common requirements for parolees include the following.

• Regular check-ins with the parole officer
• Maintaining stable employment and housing
• Informing the parole officer of any changes in employment or housing
• Requesting permission before traveling
• Abstaining from drug or alcohol use
• Submitting to random searches of person and property
• Obeying all laws
• Refraining from interacting with individuals known to participate in illegal activity
• Refraining from purchasing or possessing guns and other weapons

These are just some of the many conditions set by the parole board. Failing to comply with any term at any time of the parole sentence is considered a violation.

What Happens After a Parole Violation in MI?

Once your parole officer suspects that you have violated one or more of the conditions of your parole, they will likely have you detained for up to 45 days before a fact-finding hearing is conducted. This hearing allows both sides to gather information and evidence to argue why you did or did not violate your parole. If there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation that you violated parole, your status as a parolee will be reinstated, and you will be permitted to serve the remainder of your parole sentence in the community.

However, if the evidence is compelling enough, the parole board will schedule a revocation hearing. This hearing is more formal. The Michigan Parole Board generally oversees these hearings. If they rule that you are in violation, they may revoke your right to parole. You can be reincarcerated and stripped of your right to parole.

A minor or technical violation, like missing a check-in or failing a drug test, will likely not result in a revocation. Instead, you could be issued a warning or receive more stringent supervision. However, it is important to understand your legal rights and the possible outcomes of a parole revocation hearing. To learn more and secure skilled representation, reach out to an experienced attorney today.