While you feel grateful for being released, you don’t know when you’ll finish. Many inmates, especially new ones will ask, how long does parole last?
Here at Gibson Bail Bonds, we see people from all walks of life. One thing they all keep in common is a run-in with the law. As your local source for bail bond agents and more, we do what we can. Part of that promise to you is keeping you better informed.
Continue reading to learn about your sentencing, as well as what happens afterwards. Then contact us for bail bond agents, 24-hours of every day.
What is Parole? And Why Do I Have It?
Those that have never been arrested may not know how complex sentencing can be. To make matters more confusing, parole adds more stipulations to the mix.
First, parole is an agreement made for early release to those inmates deemed as a lower risk. That benefits not only them but the local facilities from being too overcrowded. To become eligible for parole, you often have to convince the board. Unfortunately, they don’t always agree, and it could take years for another opportunity.
When sentenced to parole, you have many requirements to keep up with frequently. That includes checking in with an assigned officer, as well as drug testing.
Drug testing my be part of your parole
How Long Will Parole Last?
Now, back to the first question: how long? Unfortunately, there is no cut and dry answer as it’s more of a case-by-case scenario. Your parole will not last longer than your original prison sentence, but it does often make up the balance of your remaining time.
If you served five years of a ten-year sentence, your term might require the other five years. It is possible to get this reduced with consistent good behavior.
At the end of the day, how long you stay on parole is up to you. Those wishing to get through it faster will follow the letter of the law.
What Makes Parole Take Longer?
Parole sentences are generally capped, they can take longer to fulfill than expected. Each violation of your terms can result in going back to prison. Like your original board hearing, there are numerous factors at play, and it doesn’t help that each state has different laws regarding the process.
In general, many factors can lengthen or terminate your early prison release. Some more common issues that many inmates face are such items as:
- Original Crime Committed
- Inconsistencies with Requirements
- Parole Officer Discretion
- Judge Sentencing
- Parole Board
- Local Laws
- Parole Violations
- And other conditions
When in doubt, ask your assigned officer or legal expert before taking action. The best way to prevent additional time punished is by performing duties correctly.
Can I Get My Parole to End Early?
As is the case with physical prison sentences, your parole can get ended early. Again, though, each state has its own rules and policies to check first. Generally speaking, you likely won’t get your term ended early without spending much effort. In fact, some regions require you to complete a certain amount first.
However, if you do everything that gets asked, you could see sooner releases. Some factors that contribute to earlier endings include such things as:
- Specified Portion Served
- On-Time Payments
- Completed Counselling
- Finished Classes
- Full Condition Compliance
- Early Release Hearing
- Employment Difficulties
- Good Behavior
- And other factors, also.
When in doubt, speak with a legal professional who can best advise you. However, think about the requirements given to you and how vital they are for release.
Do I Know How Long Does Parole Last?
The good news is you are informed of the sentencing before release. It’s important, however, to understand that it can increase or decrease as needed.
Call Gibson Bail Bonds for your best 24-hour bail bond agents.
