Parole
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Plain-English Meaning
Early release from prison before the full sentence is served, under supervision and conditions. Parole is granted by the Board of Parole and allows the person to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community. Violating parole can result in return to prison.
Legal Context
In New York, parole is administered by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and overseen by the Board of Parole. Parole conditions typically include regular reporting, curfews, no new arrests, drug testing, and geographic restrictions. A parole violation hearing is held before an ALJ; the standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence. New York's Less is More Act (2021) limited reincarceration solely for technical (non-criminal) parole violations.
Real-Life Example
After serving 4 years of an 8-year sentence, Dwayne was granted parole. He reported weekly to his parole officer, lived at an approved address, and maintained employment. When a technical violation was filed for missing a meeting, the Less is More Act limited his response to community service rather than reincarceration.
Related Statutes
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. Executive Law § 259 and Less is More Act (2021). Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. Executive Law § 259
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.