Federal community supervision: federal parolE

The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 eliminated federal parole for most people convicted of a federal crime. Now, instead of defendant’s serving an indeterminate sentence (i.e., one where a parole board determines how much of the Judge’s sentence you serve), all federal defendants serve 85% of his or her sentence. This is much like “mandatory release” discussed below. See the information on “RELEASE PLANNING” at Appendix II, PG. 326. In light of the Sentencing Reform Act, only a few groups of individuals are serving a federal parole sentences.

  1. Basics of Federal Parole

    1. Who is released onto federal parole?

    2. If I am on federal parole, why do I report to a U.S. probation officer?

  2. Before Release: What to Know about Getting Released onto Federal Parole

    1. I am still incarcerated. What is the legal process for getting released from federal prison onto federal parole?

    2. What could happen if I refuse to sign the certificate of release?

    3. Do I have to return to the same community that I came from for my federal parole?

    4. What is the difference between federal parole and “mandatory release”?

    5. Is it possible that I be released from federal prison and not be on any type of community supervision?

  3. After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on Federal Parole

    1. After I am released to federal parole, when and to whom must I report?

  4. Length of Federal Parole

    1. How long will I be on federal parole?

    2. Can I get off federal parole early?

    3. How does the U.S. Parole Commission decide whether to let me off federal parole early?

    4. If I am denied early termination of my federal parole, can I challenge the U.S. parole commission’s decision?

  5. Conditions of Federal Parole

    1. What conditions must I follow on federal parole?

    2. General conditions of federal parole

    3. Special conditions of federal parole

  6. Transferring Federal Parole

  7. Violations & Revocation of Federal Parole

    1. What could happen if I violate the conditions of my federal parole (or mandatory release)?

    2. Who issues an arrest warrant or summons to appear at a hearing if I violate federal parole or mandatory release?

    3. After a warrant or summons is issued, what happens?

    4. May a federal parolee have an attorney at a preliminary interview and revocation hearing?

    5. Will I be in prison pending hearing?

    6. Where are the revocation hearings held?

    7. What is the timeline of the hearing?

    8. If my hearing is held in a federal institution rather than locally, am I entitled to an attorney and may I present witnesses on my behalf?

    9. What is the hearing procedure?

    10. When is revocation mandatory?

    11. How could I be sentenced for a revocation of federal parole?

    12. If the commission revokes parole or mandatory release, does a parolee get any credit on the sentence for the time spent under supervision?

    13. If I get my federal parole revoked, how long must I serve before the parole commission reviews my case again?

    14. Can I appeal the revocation decision by the U.S. Parole Commission?

  8. Disability Rights for People on All Types of Federal Supervision

    1. I have a disability. What rights do I have on federal probation or parole to have accommodations for my disability?

    2. How can I file a complaint if I feel that my federal probation officer is not accommodating my disability, or feel that I am not getting access to parole services or programs?