Criminal convictions can lead to lifelong consequences in employment, housing and family relationships due to a criminal record and prison time. The judicial system, however, provides ways to lessen these negative effects.
Two of these opportunities are probation and parole. Probation usually occurs instead of incarceration and typically requires community service, payments of fees and fines, adherence to rules, and completion of treatment programs. Usually, regular reports to a supervisor are mandatory, but in some low-level cases, this step may not be necessary. Another form of probation is a split sentence, which involves a short prison term. Parole is similar but refers to releasing prisoners early to finish their sentences in the community.
These options reduce or eliminate time behind bars, a welcome benefit to convicted individuals. However, it also comes with consequences in the event of a violation. If you are going though probation or parole, it can be important to understand the penalties for not keeping the conditions.
Penalties for violating probation or parole in Louisiana
Depending on the violation, you may receive only a warning. Otherwise, you will have to appear in court for a hearing. If the court finds you guilty, you may face the following penalties:
- Stricter supervision
- Additional requirements
- Lengthened term
- Short prison stay
For more severe, multiple or repeated violations, you may lose your probation or parole privilege altogether. You will then have to serve the original sentence of your conviction. The court may or may not count the time you have already served under probation or parole toward your prison sentence.
Defenses against revocation
If you are at risk of losing probation or parole, you can present your defense in the revocation hearing, which proceeds similarly to a trial. The court may end up not finding you guilty of the violation. If the opposite happens, you may be able to negotiate an alternative punishment, such as increased community service or drug treatment programs.