Cleveland Parole Violations Lawyer
Facing criminal charges is a scary situation. This fear is compounded when such charges lead to incarceration. However, there are times when those convicted of crimes are granted parole. When this happens, they gain their freedom — but only if they follow certain rules. If you’re accused of violating these rules, it’s important for you to speak with a parole violations lawyer in Cleveland.
At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, our team of criminal defense attorneys has seen lives ruined due to unfair parole violation accusations. Unfortunately, the deck is stacked against those accused of violating their parole. However, all hope is not lost.
Our law firm will review your case and help you better understand your options. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.
What Is a Parole Violation?
When a person is sentenced to incarceration, they’ll sometimes be granted early release on parole. This is an opportunity to serve the rest of their sentence in the community rather than behind bars. However, strict terms are typically applied to such releases.
Any violation of these terms can cause parole to be revoked. In such a situation, the individual would be returned to jail to serve the remainder of their sentence.
Actions that constitute a parole violation can vary drastically. That’s because each individual case has its own specific terms. In many cases, terms of parole restrict an individual from carrying a firearm, leaving the jurisdiction, associating with known criminals, failing to seek permission for address changes, and failing to pay fines.
In some cases, parolees may also be required to attend classes, meet with their probation officers, submit to alcohol and drug tests, or register as a sex offender.
However, such conditions are merely the tip of the iceberg. Parole is seen as a privilege, and thus, a variety of strict terms can be placed on early judicial release. If you’re accused of violating any of these terms, contact a parole violation lawyer in Cleveland now.
Is a Parole Violation an Automatic Prison Sentence?
If you’re accused of violating parole, you might find yourself back in prison. However, this is not a foregone conclusion. That’s because any alleged violation will be reviewed by a parole violation board. They’ll consider a variety of factors — ranging from the severity of the violation to the parolee’s history — to decide whether parole should be revoked.
A major consideration by the board is whether a person is likely to re-offend or violate the conditions of their release again. While the opportunity to argue your case before the board may seem like a blessing, the likelihood of things going badly is high.
That’s because your parole officer doesn’t have to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that you violated parole.
With lower evidentiary standards, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves back behind bars after a probation violation. That’s why it’s so important to work with a violate probation lawyer in Cleveland after a probation violation occurs.
How Can You Fight Parole Violation Charges in Ohio?
If you’re charged with violating the terms of your release, speaking with a Cleveland parole violation attorney may be your best move. That’s because they understand what the parole board is looking for, and they know which defenses are most likely to work in given situations.
Fortunately, there are a variety of potential defenses that may be available to you for a probation violation.
These include:
- You’ve been falsely accused of wrongful acts
- There is a lack of evidence that you violated parole
- Arguing technical probation violations do not constitute a threat to the public
- Showing you made sincere efforts to comply with conditions
- Arguing that any violation was accidental and unintentional
- Mistaken identity
- Improper arrest or detention
- Due process (e.g., constitutional) probation violations
- Mitigating circumstances that could lessen potential consequences
Clearly, there are many potential defenses for parole violation allegations. However, not all these defenses will apply to your situation. This is why it’s so important to work with a parole violation attorney in Cleveland.
At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, our violation lawyers will review the unique circumstances of your case and help you understand your best options. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Contact Our Cleveland Parole Violation Lawyers
If your parole officer claims you’re in violation of the terms of your release, you’ve got some difficult days ahead of you. Since you’ve already been convicted of a crime, the courts will likely not view your situation favorably.
Unfortunately, upwards of one in five currently incarcerated individuals are in prison due to accusations of parole violation.
At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, our law firm will do everything in our power to prevent you from becoming part of this statistic. Our attorneys understand how the system works, and they have extensive experience fighting to keep clients out of jail time for alleged wrongdoing.
Our parole violation lawyers in Cleveland are here to help. Contact us today at (216) 208-7858 to schedule your confidential consultation.