UNDERSTANDING PAROLE

Parole is a critical step in reintegrating into society after incarceration, but it comes with strict conditions and responsibilities. Failing to follow parole rules can lead to revocation and re-incarceration. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know to successfully complete parole and regain full freedom.

1. Understanding Parole: Your Rights & Responsibilities

Parole means you are still serving your sentence, but in the community instead of prison. You have more freedom, but that freedom comes with conditions.

✔ You must follow all parole conditions set by the Massachusetts Parole Board.
✔ You are supervised by a Parole Officer (PO), who monitors your compliance.
✔ You must be truthful and cooperative with your Parole Officer.
✔ Violating parole can result in being sent back to prison.

❌ Do NOT assume parole means total freedom—you are still under supervision.

2. Reporting to Your Parole Officer (PO) Is Mandatory

✔ You must report to your Parole Officer on your release day and as scheduled after that.
✔ Your PO will meet with you at the parole office, your home, work, or in the community.
✔ Missed meetings can result in parole revocation.

🔹 If you have an emergency and cannot report, you MUST call your PO immediately.

3. You Must Live at an Approved Residence

✔ Your home plan must be approved before your release.
✔ If you need to move, you must get approval from your PO first.
✔ Your home sponsor must sign an agreement stating they understand parole rules.

❌ Do NOT move to a new location without approval—it could violate your parole.

4. You Must Follow the Law & Avoid Criminal Activity

✔ You must obey ALL state, federal, and local laws.
✔ Any contact with law enforcement must be reported within 24 hours.
✔ If you are arrested or charged with a new crime, parole will likely be revoked.

🔹 Even minor violations (like missing a court date) can impact your parole status.

5. You Must Stay Employed or in an Approved Program

✔ You must have a job or be in a school, training, or treatment program.
✔ If you lose your job, you must report it to your PO within 24 hours.
✔ Working “under the table” is NOT allowed—you must provide legal proof of employment.

❌ Do NOT assume parole supervision allows you to be unemployed without consequences.

6. You Cannot Associate with Criminals or Engage in Illegal Activities

✔ You must avoid known criminals and people involved in illegal activity.
✔ Your PO can restrict who you associate with.
✔ You cannot visit correctional facilities without written permission.

🔹 If you are seen with known criminals, it could be a parole violation—even if you aren’t committing a crime.

7. You Cannot Leave Massachusetts Without Permission

✔ You must request a travel permit at least five days before leaving the state.
✔ Travel outside the U.S. or for serious crimes requires approval from the full Parole Board.
✔ If you leave the state without permission, a warrant for your arrest may be issued.

❌ Do NOT assume short trips (even a day trip) don’t require approval—always check first.

8. Drug & Alcohol Use May Be Prohibited

✔ If your parole conditions ban drugs or alcohol, you must follow that rule.
✔ Random drug and alcohol testing is required.
✔ Refusing a test is the same as failing it.

🔹 Even if alcohol is legal, your parole conditions might prohibit drinking—always check.

9. Your Parole Officer Can Search You, Your Home, and Your Property

✔ You must consent to searches as a condition of parole.
✔ Parole Officers can search your home, car, or belongings at any time.
✔ Any illegal or prohibited items found can lead to parole revocation.

❌ Do NOT think you have the same Fourth Amendment protections as a non-parolee.

10. Parole Violations Can Lead to Revocation & Re-Incarceration

✔ If you violate parole, a Parole Violation Report (PVR) may be filed.
✔ You may be arrested and held for a parole revocation hearing.
✔ If the Parole Board revokes your parole, you return to prison.

🔹 Common reasons parole is revoked include missing meetings, failing drug tests, new arrests, and absconding.

11. You Have Rights if Facing Parole Revocation

✔ You have the right to a parole hearing before revocation.
✔ You can have a lawyer represent you at the hearing.
✔ You can appeal a parole revocation decision in certain cases.

🔹 If you are accused of a parole violation, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Final Advice: Follow the Rules & Stay Out of Trouble

✔ Know and follow ALL your parole conditions.
✔ Communicate with your PO and report any issues immediately.
✔ Avoid criminal activity, drugs, and unauthorized travel.
✔ Stay employed or in a structured program.
✔ If facing a possible violation, seek legal help immediately.

🚨 If you have any questions or concerns about your parole, call Benzaken, Maguire, Sheehan & Wood, LLP at 508-897-0001 immediately. Your freedom may depend on it.