Parole and Probation in Douglas County
In Douglas County, parole and probation means a strict lifestyle with a lot of rules and restrictions, but it is usually a preferred alternative to serving your whole sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections. While some people incorrectly use the terms interchangeably, it is important to know the differences between Parole and Probation, and what each will mean for your or your loved one’s future.
What is Parole in Castle Rock?
In Castle Rock and throughout Colorado, Parole is a conditional, early release from prison. It is thought of as a transitionary period. In the General Overview of Parole from the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, two types of parole are discussed:
- “Prior to 1993, all parole was discretionary, i.e. an inmate who met the appropriate criteria could be released from incarceration before the sentence was completely served. If the parolee violated the terms of the release, parole could be revoked and the parolee returned to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence. Ex: Inmate X is eligible for release after serving 6 years of his 10-year sentences. He is placed on parole for the remainder of the sentence. If he violates any of the conditions of parole, he can be reincarcerated for the remainder of the sentence. Whether he gets credit for any time spent on parole depends on when he committed his original offense and the nature of that offense.
- In 1993, the legislature added an additional type of parole. Inmates could still be released before completing their entire sentences, but would be subject to an additional 1, 3, or 5-year term of mandatory parole after release, depending on the type of felony the offender had committed. Under the current system, every inmate is required to serve a term of mandatory parole. If the parolee violates the terms of the release, parole can be revoked and the parolee returned to prison to serve the remainder of the term of mandatory parole. Whether he gets credit for the time he spent on parole depends on the basis for the revocation.”
“Under the current system, every inmate is required to serve a term of mandatory parole.”
What is Probation in Parker, Colorado?
In Parker, Colorado, Probation is considered an alternative to prison, or an alternative to the Division of Youth Corrections if the offender is a juvenile. Once found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor criminal offense, a sentence of probation may be ordered by the Court. You will have to go to your local Probation Office, where you will receive a Probation Officer assigned to your case. You will be required to agree to set Terms and Conditions, which must be followed, or risk having your probation revoked and being re-sentenced to the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Sex Offenders on probation (Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Program) have the highest level of supervision than any other criminal offenders on probation in Colorado.
Is it possible to be on probation and parole at the same time in Lone Tree?
It is possible, but it is rare. If a person is sentenced to two separate crimes, and receives a probation sentence for one crime and a prison sentence for the other, they will first go to prison. Then after release from prison, they will be on mandatory parole, and will also then start their probation sentence. If a person is really unlucky, they will have to check in with both a probation officer and a parole officer, but usually the parole department will allow a person to just meet with their probation officer, and will get any of the information needed about the offender from the probation office.
Charged with a criminal offense in Douglas County?
Call us at 303-265-1950
If you are facing charges for misdemeanor or felony criminal offense in Douglas County, contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group today at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.