If I am suspected of a parole violation, who has authority to arrest me? Do they need a warrant?

A parole agent or police officer can arrest you if he or she has probable cause to believe you violated a parole condition. (By law, a belief supported by “probable cause” is defined as the reasonable belief of a reasonable person looking at the specific facts of the situation.)[677] BUT the arresting agent/officer does not need a warrant. A judge COULD issue a warrant for your arrest, but does not have to. (Cal. Penal Code § 3000.08(c)). If the parole agent suspects that you have violated a parole condition, you can be arrested by a parole agent or peace office at any time until the judge makes a “final disposition” ( a final decision about your guilt or innocence in the case).[678]

  1. 677

    See Brinegar v. United States, 338 U.S. 160, 175 (1949).

  2. 678

    Cal. Penal Code § 3000.08(c).