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Chapter 7 . Probation Modification and Termination. Introduction. Probation is conditional and may result in: Early termination- if the probationer is compliant Modification- most typically, if technical or misdemeanor violations occur
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Chapter 7 Probation Modification and Termination
Introduction • Probation is conditional and may result in: • Early termination- if the probationer is compliant • Modification- most typically, if technical or misdemeanor violations occur • Revocation- if serious technical violations or new felony offenses occur
Modifying Probation Conditions • Early termination of Probation • Some states allow early termination after successful completion of one-third of the probation term or two years, whichever is less • Modifying Conditions Before the Revocation Decision • Some jurisdictions allow probation officers to modify conditions in response to specific violations
The Decision to Revoke • Issues involved in probation revocation include: • Revocation authority • Types of probation violations • Revocation procedures • Rights during revocation • While most revocation decisions are discretionary, some jurisdictions mandate automatic revocation
Types of Probation Violations • Law Violation- occurs if a probationer commits another misdemeanor or felony crime • Technical Violation-a pattern of infractions, usually technical, that breach a condition(s) of probation • 85%-90% of all violations are technical • Probation Absconders-occurs if a probationer leaves the jurisdiction
Revocation Procedure • Revocation procedures are governed by: • Constitutional rules • State/Federal law • Agency policy • The federal system and some states provides probation officers the power to arrest probationers, while other states specifically prohibit probation officers to do so
Revocation Procedure, cont. • Time on probation or parole is usually not credited toward sentence completion if a revocation occurs • Some states provide reductions for good behavior for parolees, although most states do not do so for probationers
Revocation Rights of Probationers and Parolees • A probation or parole revocation is an “administrative hearing” and is seen as an extension of the existing sentence, and • Does not require a jury • No Fifth Amendment privilege
Revocation Rights of Probationers and Parolees, cont. • Gagnon v. Scarpelli (1973) • The Supreme Court mandated due process for probation revocation proceedings, consisting of: • A two stage hearing, consisting of a preliminary hearing and a final revocation hearing • Written notice of the alleged violation • Disclosure of the evidence • The opportunity to testify and present evidence • The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses • The right to judgment by a neutral and detached hearing body • A written statement of the final decision, including evidence relied on in arriving at the decision
Revocation Rights of Probationers and Parolees, cont. • The Supreme Court had granted the same due process rights to probationers one year earlier in Morrissey v. Brewer (1972) • The level of proof and evidence required for revocation varies among the states, although most require preponderance of the evidence as the standard
Revocation Rights of Probationers and Parolees, cont. • Revocation for inability to pay fees, restitution or fines can occur if the behavior is willful and intentional • Juvenile probation revocation is bounded by the age of the juvenile at the time of sentencing, rather than at time of revocation • Probation may be revoked after the probation period has expired under certain conditions
Probation Effectiveness • Probation Recidivism Rates • The definition of “success” and “failure” differs between researchers • 35 studies in the U.S. found rearrest rates from 12%-65%, the conviction rate from 16%-35% and the revocation rate from 14%-60% • Two large studies reported successful probation completion rates of over 70% • Probation is most successful for those eligible for diversion, misdemeanor or first-time felons
Probation Effectiveness, cont. • Those most like to succeed on probation are: • Women • Offenders over the age of 30 • Those with no prior or adult or juvenile convictions • Those with skills to maintain employment • High school graduates • Those that lived with their spouse or children
Probation Effectiveness, cont. • Upon comparison, probationers committed less technical violations and fewer new crimes than parolees • Probationers were more likely to complete supervision successfully than parolees, regardless of crime committed