Following the terms of your probation and parole is important to maintain your freedom and keep the consequences reduced. Violations of probation and parole in Pennsylvania could come with extra fines, jail time and a reversal of your probation or parole.
Technical violations
Probation and parole come with conditions that may vary from case to case. You should know what the terms are of your probation or parole to avoid accidentally breaking them. The consequences of technical probation and parole violations aren’t the same. If you break the terms of parole, you may have to spend 60 to 120 days in the Parole Violator Center. Failure to complete the program on time would result in you going back to jail. Other possible consequences of a technical parole violation are more frequent urine tests, a stricter curfew, and inpatient treatment.
Following are some of the more common conditions of probation and parole:
• Regularly check in with your probation or parole officer
• Notify your probation or parole officer when you move
• Remain employed or in school
• Notify your probation or parole officer when you change jobs
• Pass regular drug tests
• Pay a fine, fee, or restitution
Criminal offense violations
Your probation officer has the right to arrest you when you commit a crime. Pennsylvania may give you a probation hearing to modify your probation or take another course of action. Criminal offense parole violations may result in a return to prison, especially if you engaged in assaultive behavior. Just as with a probation violation, you may have a hearing for a probation violation too. It’s also possible for you to receive new sentences for the criminal offense whether you were on probation or parole.
Probation and parole are a privilege in Pennsylvania, so there are no guarantees on how the judge will handle your violation. The judge could order you to serve the remainder of your sentence in jail or prison.