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    Parole Violations

    Learn more about the types of parole violations and parole hearings.

    Overview

    A Parolee that violates conditions of parole or commits a new crime is subject to a parole revocation decision. There are two types of revocations: technical parole and convicted parole. A Technical Parole Violation is a violation of a parole condition. A Convicted Parole Violation results from a conviction of a new crime. Parole violation proceedings are governed by the 61 Pa. C.S. §6138 and the Board's Regulations. 

    Technical Parole Violator (TPV)

    A TPV is a person under parole supervision who violates the terms and conditions of parole. TPV examples include (but not limited to): 

    • Breaking curfew
    • Moving without permission
    • Failing to report as instructed
    • Unauthorized contact with a victim

    Some of these violations may be sanctioned by additional parole restrictions, treatment program participation or recommitted to prison, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. TPVs shall be given credit for the time served on parole, but with no credit for delinquent time. 

    Convicted Parole Violator (CPV)

    A CPV is a parolee who violates parole by committing a new crime while on parole OR while delinquent on parole. For a parolee to be recommitted as a CPV: 

    1. The crime must be committed during the period of parole or while delinquent on parole; and
    2. The crime must be punishable by imprisonment; and
    3. Parolee must be convicted or found guilty by a judge or jury, or plead guilty or nolo contendere in a court of record or of any misdemeanor of the third degree and certain summary offenses. Summary offenses include: Possession of a Firearm in a Court Facility; Harassment; Retail Theft; Disorderly Conduct; Public Drunkenness; Cruelty to Animals; Aiding or Abetting a Minor to Commit Truancy; Selling or Furnishing Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Minors

    CPVs are not entitled to credit for time at liberty on parole; however, the Parole Board has discretion to award credit unless the new criminal offense is one of the crimes specified in 6138(a)(2.1).

    Types of parole hearings

    • Preliminary hearings: First level hearing to determine if there is probable cause that a parolee violated a condition of parole.  
    • Violation hearings: Second level hearing to determine if a parolee violated a condition of parole.
    • Detention hearings: First level hearing that determines whether or not there is probable cause to believe that the parolee has been charged with a new criminal offense that would constitute a violation of parole.   
    • Revocation hearings: Second level hearing to determine if parole should be revoked after a parolee is convicted of a new crime.