Parole Conditions Law and Legal Definition
Under the parole system, an inmate may be released from custody before the sentence has been completely served. However, the inmate will be released on parole only after he/she agrees to abide by the parole conditions set by the paroling authority. Parole conditions are certain rules that are to be followed by a person when he/she is released from prison on parole.
Parole conditions may include both standard and general conditions. In the U.S., state parole boards are responsible for setting standard parole conditions. Standard parole conditions are common rules that apply to all parolees generally. Provisions directing the offender to report to a parole officer promptly after being released, asking the parolee to attend follow-up meetings regularly, restricting the parolee to live in a particular area, expecting the parolee to be a law abiding citizen, banning possession of guns and firearms, and prohibiting the use of drugs and alcohol are all examples of standard parole conditions.
Parole officers may also impose special conditions depending upon each inmate’s case. Generally, special parole conditions apply to offenders who have been convicted of sexually based offenses. A sex offender will be required to register with authorities immediately upon his or her release. Sex offenders will also be restricted to living only with adults.
Following is an example of a state law (Alabama) setting forth parole conditions.
Code of Ala. § 15-22-29. Conditions; rules and regulations:
(a) The Board of Pardons and Paroles, in releasing a prisoner on parole, shall specify in writing the conditions of his parole, and a copy of such conditions shall be given to the parolee. A violation of such conditions may render the prisoner liable to arrest and reimprisonment.
(b) The Board of Pardons and Paroles shall adopt general rules with regard to conditions of parole and their violation and may make special rules to govern particular cases. Such rules, both general and special, may include, among other things, a requirement that:
(1) The parolee shall not leave the state without the consent of the board;
(2) He shall contribute to the support of his dependents to the best of his ability;
(3) He shall make reparation or restitution for his crime;
(4) He shall abandon evil associates and ways; and
(5) He shall carry out the instructions of his parole officer and in general so comport himself as such officer shall determine.
