When people are convicted of certain sexual offenses, especially more heinous ones, they are often faced with Parole Supervision for Life or Community Supervision for Life. When someone is placed on parole or community supervision for life, they will be assigned a parole officer and have to live by a set of rules set forth by the officer. Though this is, obviously, a better option than jail or prison, some of these terms can be incredibly stringent, and if you are accused of violating them, you can face a wide range of consequences. Read on and contact a dedicated New Jersey supervision for life attorney from the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri for help today.
Understanding Parole Supervision for Life in New Jersey
Parole Supervision for Life (PSL) and Community Supervision for Life (CSL) are long-term supervision programs imposed after an individual has been convicted of certain sex crimes in New Jersey. Though both involve long-term monitoring and compliance with strict terms and conditions, they differ depending on when the underlying conviction occurred.
If you were convicted of a sex offense before January 4, 2014, you are likely on Community Supervision for Life, and if you were convicted of a sex offense after this date, you will be on Parole Supervision for Life.
These programs are overseen by the New Jersey State Parole Board and often involve strict terms and conditions that can have a considerable impact on the daily lives of those sentenced to these programs
PSL and CSL
- Individuals subject to these programs are assigned a parole officer
- Supervision conditions can impose restrictions on travel, residency, internet use, employment, and even contact with certain individuals
- Violations do not always require the commission of a new criminal offense
- A violation can lead to arrest, detention, and potential incarceration
- Courts and parole boards may impose additional, stricter penalties if a violation occurs
What Happens if I’m Accused of Violating My Parole Supervision for Life?
Having an attorney in your corner can benefit you in several ways. For example, if the parole officer established certain unreasonable terms, such as those preventing you from visiting certain family members, an attorney may be able to speak with your officer and negotiate a more favorable set of rules.
However, if you’re caught violating the terms of your parole in Hackensack, Oradell, Paramus, or other Bergen County communities, you should know that you’re up against a wide range of very harsh consequences.
If you violate supervision for life terms, you may face additional periods of supervision and incarceration, even if the violation wasn’t a crime itself. If the parole board determines that you did truly violate the terms of your parole, you will have to serve a sentence.
Common Violations of PSL or CSL
- Missing a mandatory meeting with your parole officer
- Violating curfew
- Using social media or the internet when you are restricted
- Traveling outside of the pre-approved bounds without receiving permission from your parole officer
- Possessing prohibited devices or materials
- Contacting prohibited individuals
- Failing to inform your parole officer and local police department of address changes
- Failing to complete the required counseling
- Failing to maintain employment if required
What Happens After an Alleged Violation?
In the event a parole officer believes that a parolee has violated the terms and conditions of their release, they may:
- Initiate an investigation into the alleged violation
- Place the parolee under arrest
- Place the parolee in detention, pending an investigation
- Present evidence of the violation at a hearing
These proceedings are typically handled through the New Jersey parole system, and can involve hearings in Bergen County and surrounding North Jersey communities.
Potential Penalties for Violating PSL or CSL in Bergen County
You should also note that violating community supervision for life in Bergen County is considered a crime in itself and can result in up to 18 months of incarceration. As mentioned, those accused of a parole violation may be detained pending a violation hearing. As such, if the board determines that a violation has occurred, the parolee may be subject to incarceration or additional parole restrictions, depending on the nature of the alleged violation.
Additionally, New Jersey may also charge you with a third-degree crime, which can impose a three-five year sentence.
Possible Penalties
- Restarting supervision periods, under certain circumstances
- Imposition of additional conditions and restrictions
- Revocation of parole
- Incarceration for violations
- Third-degree criminal charges, in some circumstances
Technical Violations May Still Result in Jail Time
It’s critical to understand that, even if the alleged violation is not a separate criminal offense, penalties may still be imposed by the court. This can include:
- Missing curfew
- Failing to inform the parole officer about travel
- Missing treatment sessions
- Violating internet restrictions
Contact an Experienced Bergen County Criminal Defense Firm
If you have been accused of violating the terms and conditions of your Parole Supervision for Life or your Community Supervision for Life, working with an experienced attorney at the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri is in your best interest. Our firm understands how serious these allegations are, which is why we will explore all options to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact our firm today so we can begin building a strong defense on your behalf.