If you are a Pennsylvania resident convicted of a crime, you may serve a specific amount of time in prison and then return to society under the conditions of parole. While the exact nature of your parole may depend on the details of your case and conviction, there are several common elements of parole that may apply to you. Your parole agent should be able to provide the personalized information you need to successfully return to society. You may also benefit from understanding the basics of parole violations and penalties so you may avoid making such mistakes.
According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections, there are two types of parole violators: technical parole violators and convicted parole violators. If you violate your parole, the state may use one of these classifications depending on the nature of your actions. For example, you may qualify as a TPV if you break the terms and conditions of your parole but do not commit a new crime. Some common examples of technical violations include breaking your curfew or having unauthorized contact with a victim.
There may be more serious consequences if your actions qualify you as a convicted parole violator. Breaking the terms and conditions of your parole by committing a new crime may earn you a CPV classification. In many cases, committing a crime while under parole may require you to stay in prison (even if you post bail) until there is a settlement of the new charges. Violent crimes may lead to a recalculation of your sentence and more time in prison. State law gives you the right to a first and second hearing if you violate your parole.
This general information on parole violations is intended to educate, and it should not be taken as legal advice.