When most people think of having to deal with probation and parole officers, they might think of simply having to report into the office to have a normal check-in interview. That is only one instance in which a person who is involved in the criminal justice system might have to deal with the Department of Probation and Parole. This department handles a variety of other duties that can affect defendants, probationers and parolees.
The Department of Probation and Parole has a variety of duties
Probation violations must be taken seriously
When you are given probation as a penalty for a criminal conviction, you must ensure that you meet all the requirements for the probation program. When you don't meet the requirements, you can stand to face new criminal charges for a probation violation. In some cases, being found guilty of a probation violation can land you in jail and can result in more fines.
What is probation?
A person who is going through a criminal trial knows that there are several ways the trial can end. In some cases, the person will be found not guilty. When the person is found guilty, there are several possible sentences, including incarceration and probation. Some people might have some questions about probation.
Several considerations affect parole eligibility in Maryland
Last week, we discussed the differences and similarities of probation and parole. That post might have left some of our readers wanting to know more about how parole works in Maryland. There are a few basic points that might make it a little easier to understand.
Similarities and differences between probation and parole
When you read about criminal trials in the newspaper, on television or online, you might come across the terms probation and parole. These two terms might seem to be similar in some ways, but they are actually very different terms. It is important for our Maryland readers to know the ways they are the same and the ways they are different.
Court's sentencing wording affects ability to seek parole
For people who are facing criminal charges, finding out the possible sentences for their charges is something that becomes a priority. While there are some guidelines for most crimes in Maryland, there is usually some leeway regarding sentencing. A person can be sentenced to incarceration, probation, fines, community service, a host of other options or a combination of two or more of these options.
What is a probation violation, and what are the consequences?
For people charged with a crime, the criminal court proceedings are sometimes only the start of them having to deal with the law. If they are found guilty of the charges placed against them, they might be sentenced to serve probation. While probation does give you some freedom, there are still rules that you are bound by in accordance with Maryland law. If you happen to disobey these rules, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, you might face a probation violation.
Understanding the difference between parole and probation
Maryland residents who have been charged with a crime may be wondering about the definition of two important legal terms: probation and parole. Criminal defense attorneys know that these two concepts are very different, even though they both feature a form of supervised release. Understanding probation and parole rules can help you and your attorney identify the best strategies for defending your criminal case.
Man charged with arson held on probation violation without bond
The past has a way of catching up with us. After an investigation of a year and a half, one Maryland man is now facing charges from an incident that occurred in 2012. According to the chief/public affairs officer, the man is being held on a probation violation without bond. He allegedly was the person who was responsible for starting a fire on Nov. 14 of that year at the Loudoun County Community Corrections Office. An estimated $200,000 in damaged was caused by that fire. The community corrections office had to be relocated. While it is believed that a fire at the office's new location was related to the November fire, the Dec. 19 fire is still under investigation.
33-year Maryland fugitive granted parole after turning himself in
People make mistakes in life, but there are some instances in which a person's desire to make the mistake right can help them to get closure for the incident. A recent case involving a man who escaped a pre-release program in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1980 recently turned himself into law enforcement officials.
