Philadelphia Federal Criminal Probation, Parole and Supervised Release

Philadelphia Federal Criminal Probation, Parole and Supervised Release

If your convicted of a federal crime in Philadelphia, you may face probation, parole, or supervised release. This article explains what those terms mean, how they work, and what to expect if your sentenced to one of them after your conviction.

What is Probation?

Probation is a sentence where instead of jailing you, the judge releases you back into the community under supervision. You have to follow rules called “conditions of probation” and check in regularly with a probation officer. If you violate the rules, you could end up in prison to serve the suspended part of your sentence.

Typical probation rules include:

• Not committing more crimes
• Avoiding people with criminal records
• Holding a job
• Paying fines or restitution
• Going to counseling or treatment programs
• Staying within the area unless you get permission to travel
• Letting your probation officer visit your home anytime
• Taking random drug tests

The length of federal probation sentences vary, but may be 1 to 5 years. Longer terms are possible for more serious crimes. Your specific conditions and length of probation depend on your offense and criminal history.

What is Parole?

Parole is early release from prison under supervision. Its available to federal inmates who show their rehabilitated and no longer pose a threat. The U.S. Parole Commission decides when an inmate is ready for parole based on factors like behavior in prison, participation in programs, and release plans.

Parole has conditions you must follow, like probation rules. Common federal parole rules include:

• Not committing more crimes
• Avoiding people with criminal records
• Holding a job
• Staying within authorized areas
• Letting your parole officer visit anytime
• Taking random drug tests

If you violate the rules, your parole will be revoked and you’ll go back to prison. Federal parole usually lasts until your original prison sentence ends. So if you got 5 years in prison but paroled after 3, your parole would be 2 years.

What is Supervised Release?

Supervised release is like parole after a federal prison sentence. The judge imposes supervised release at sentencing, in addition to the jail term. So after your released from prison, you still have to follow rules under an officer’s supervision for the set release term.

Supervised release has standard conditions like:

• No illegal activity
• Reporting to your probation officer
• Allowing home visits
• Travel restrictions
• Drug tests

Judges also often order special conditions related to your offense, like anger management class, financial disclosures, or computer monitoring. The possible length of federal supervised release terms depends on your crime.

If you violate the terms, the judge can revoke supervised release and make you serve more time in prison.

Getting Probation, Parole or Supervised Release

Whether you get probation, parole, or supervised release depends on factors like:

• Your criminal history
• The facts of your case
• Your behavior and record in prison (for parole)
• Your reentry plan for employment and housing
• Your participation in required programs

Its important to take steps while incarcerated or on supervision to show your committed to rehabilitation. Things that can help include:

• No disciplinary issues
• Completing your GED
• Participating in job skills programs
• Taking counseling or addiction treatment
• Having an approved home and job lined up
• Strong support system of family and friends
• Insight into past criminal thinking and behavior

Violating Probation, Parole or Supervised Release

Even technical slip-ups like missing appointments can be violations resulting in jail time. But you have rights in the revocation process.

Before jailing you for violations, the judge or Parole Commission must:

• Hold a revocation hearing
• Consider alternatives like increased supervision or sanctions
• Determine if violations were willful or excusable mistakes
• Consider if incarceration best serves correctional needs

Its also possible to appeal revocations. An attorney can help negotiate alternatives or fight revocations using defenses like:

• Violations weren’t willful
• Positive steps towards rehabilitation
• Mistakes don’t outweigh community interest
• Treatment better than incarceration
• COVID-19 or health risks in jail

But its crucial to follow the rules. Multiple violations increase chances authorities will seek revocation into custody.

Life on Probation, Parole or Supervised Release

Life on supervision can be challenging. You may struggle finding housing and work with a record. Maintaining sobriety or affording fees can also be tough. But its important not to let setbacks derail all the progress you’ve made.

Things that help successful completion include:

• Leaning on your support network
• Using resources like career centers, housing assistance, or public benefits
• Finding counseling if you feel overwhelmed
• Asking your officer questions if unsure about rules
• Taking things one day at a time

Although supervision feels restrictive, try thinking of it as an opportunity at a second chance. Federal probation, parole and supervised release let you avoid prison. So focus on getting back on the right path instead of seeing it as punishment. With hard work and commitment, you can get through it.

References

U.S. Probation Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania Supervision, https://www.paep.uscourts.gov/services-and-programs

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Overview of Probation and Supervised Release Conditions, https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/probation-and-pretrial-services/probation-and-supervised-release-conditions

U.S. Sentencing Commission Federal Offenders Sentenced to Supervised Release, https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/research-publications/2017/20170711_Supervised-Release.pdf