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Parole: What You Need to Know.

Parole is a critical step in reintegrating into society after incarceration, but it comes with strict conditions and responsibilities. Failing to follow parole rules can lead to revocation and re-incarceration.

This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know to successfully complete parole and regain full freedom.

№ 01

Understanding Parole: Your Rights & Responsibilities

Parole means you are still serving your sentence, but in the community instead of prison. You have more freedom, but that freedom comes with conditions.

Know This

  • You must follow all parole conditions set by the Massachusetts Parole Board.
  • You are supervised by a Parole Officer (PO), who monitors your compliance.
  • You must be truthful and cooperative with your Parole Officer.
  • Violating parole can result in being sent back to prison.

Warning

Do NOT assume parole means total freedom—you are still under supervision.

№ 02

Reporting to Your Parole Officer Is Mandatory

Know This

  • You must report to your Parole Officer on your release day and as scheduled after that.
  • Your PO will meet with you at the parole office, your home, work, or in the community.
  • Missed meetings can result in parole revocation.

Important

If you have an emergency and cannot report, you MUST call your PO immediately.

№ 03

You Must Live at an Approved Residence

Know This

  • Your home plan must be approved before your release.
  • If you need to move, you must get approval from your PO first.
  • Your home sponsor must sign an agreement stating they understand parole rules.

Warning

Do NOT move to a new location without approval—it could violate your parole.

№ 04

You Must Follow the Law & Avoid Criminal Activity

Know This

  • You must obey ALL state, federal, and local laws.
  • Any contact with law enforcement must be reported within 24 hours.
  • If you are arrested or charged with a new crime, parole will likely be revoked.

Important

Even minor violations (like missing a court date) can impact your parole status.

№ 05

You Must Stay Employed or in an Approved Program

Know This

  • You must have a job or be in a school, training, or treatment program.
  • If you lose your job, you must report it to your PO within 24 hours.
  • Working "under the table" is NOT allowed—you must provide legal proof of employment.

Warning

Do NOT assume parole supervision allows you to be unemployed without consequences.

№ 06

You Cannot Associate with Criminals or Engage in Illegal Activities

Know This

  • You must avoid known criminals and people involved in illegal activity.
  • Your PO can restrict who you associate with.
  • You cannot visit correctional facilities without written permission.

Important

If you are seen with known criminals, it could be a parole violation—even if you aren't committing a crime.

№ 07

You Cannot Leave Massachusetts Without Permission

Know This

  • You must request a travel permit at least five days before leaving the state.
  • Travel outside the U.S. or for serious crimes requires approval from the full Parole Board.
  • If you leave the state without permission, a warrant for your arrest may be issued.

Warning

Do NOT assume short trips (even a day trip) don't require approval—always check first.

№ 08

Drug & Alcohol Use May Be Prohibited

Know This

  • If your parole conditions ban drugs or alcohol, you must follow that rule.
  • Random drug and alcohol testing is required.
  • Refusing a test is the same as failing it.

Important

Even if alcohol is legal, your parole conditions might prohibit drinking—always check.

№ 09

Your PO Can Search You, Your Home, and Your Property

Know This

  • You must consent to searches as a condition of parole.
  • Parole Officers can search your home, car, or belongings at any time.
  • Any illegal or prohibited items found can lead to parole revocation.

Warning

Do NOT think you have the same Fourth Amendment protections as a non-parolee.

№ 10

Parole Violations Can Lead to Revocation & Re-Incarceration

Know This

  • If you violate parole, a Parole Violation Report (PVR) may be filed.
  • You may be arrested and held for a parole revocation hearing.
  • If the Parole Board revokes your parole, you return to prison.

Important

Common reasons parole is revoked include missing meetings, failing drug tests, new arrests, and absconding.

№ 11

You Have Rights if Facing Parole Revocation

Know This

  • You have the right to a parole hearing before revocation.
  • You can have a lawyer represent you at the hearing.
  • You can appeal a parole revocation decision in certain cases.

Important

If you are accused of a parole violation, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Final Advice

Follow the rules. Stay out of trouble.

  • Know and follow ALL your parole conditions.
  • Communicate with your PO and report any issues immediately.
  • Avoid criminal activity, drugs, and unauthorized travel.
  • Stay employed or in a structured program.
  • If facing a possible violation, seek legal help immediately.

Your freedom may depend on it

If you have any questions or concerns about your parole, call Benzaken, Sheehan & Wood, LLP immediately.

508-897-0001Request a consultation
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