In New Jersey, individuals convicted of certain sex offenses often face a penalty beyond their initial sentence – it’s called “Parole Supervision for Life” (PSL). But what exactly does this mean, and how does it impact those who’ve served their time? Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned New Jersey sex crimes attorney from the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to learn more about how Parole Supervision for Life works in NJ and what happens if you’re accused of violating its terms.
What is Parole Supervision for Life?
Simply put, PSL is an intensive form of parole. It means that, after serving their initial sentence, the individual is subject to a lifetime of parole-like monitoring. However, this type of parole is more stringent, encompassing, and tailored specifically to address the nature of sex crimes.
Given the sensitive nature of these offenses, New Jersey’s legal system deems it necessary for certain offenders to be closely watched even after their release. This is done both to protect the public and to reduce the chances of recidivism.
When someone is under Parole Supervision for Life, they’re assigned a parole officer. Regular meetings ensue, ensuring the individual abides by specific conditions set forth at the time of their release. These conditions can range from prohibitions against contact with minors or certain types of employment to mandates about therapy and counseling.
What happens when someone is caught violating the terms of their PSL?
If someone under PSL is believed to have violated the conditions set forth, a series of formal procedures will ensue. Initially, a parole officer will conduct an investigation to determine if a violation occurred. If there’s sufficient evidence, the individual could be arrested and detained, pending a violation hearing. At this hearing, both the parolee and the State will present their evidence.
If the Parole Board determines that a violation did occur, penalties can range from additional supervision conditions to re-incarceration. Specifically, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6.4, a person found in violation of their PSL conditions can face a fixed minimum term of imprisonment of 12 to 24 months without parole, in addition to any other penalty for a new offense, they may have committed. If you or a loved one are facing allegations of violating Parole Supervision for Life conditions, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal representation immediately to ensure your rights are protected. The Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri has fought on behalf of individuals facing PSL violations for years, and we’re prepared to fight for you as well. Your freedom is our number one priority.
