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Life on parole and probation

Conditions, the first check-in, travel and transfers (ICAOS), fees and waivers, technical violations versus new crimes, hearings and rights, early discharge, jobs, housing and how families can help. Official sources only.

Coverage

Full sections verified against official sources: Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Washington DC and federal supervised release. Other states link to their official agency and Interstate Compact office.

Standard conditions

  • Almost always: report when told, live at the approved address, ask before moving or changing jobs, don't leave the state or district without permission, obey the law, no weapons, allow home visits, and often drug testing.
  • Special conditions (treatment, curfew, monitoring, no-contact) are individual. Read the signed conditions and keep a copy.

The first check-in

  • Report by the deadline and to the place on the release papers. Bring the papers, any ID, the medication list and the address where you'll live.
  • Ask: the next appointment date, how to reach the officer, travel rules, fees and how to ask for a waiver, and which programs you must start.

Travel and moving to another state (ICAOS)

Fees and how to ask for a waiver

  • Ask in writing which fees apply and how to ask for a waiver or reduction. Many laws allow a waiver for hardship, unemployment or disability.
  • Keep receipts. If you can't pay, say so before you fall behind; don't hide it.

Technical violations versus new crimes

  • Technical: breaking a supervision rule without committing a crime (missing an appointment, a positive drug test, leaving without permission). Many states require graduated sanctions before revocation.
  • New crime: a new arrest or conviction. Consequences are usually more serious and can include losing credits.
  • Absconding: stopping reporting or disappearing. Treated as serious almost everywhere.

Violation and revocation hearings: your rights

  • The U.S. Supreme Court (Morrissey v. Brewer, 1972) requires a fair process before revocation: written notice of the violations, disclosure of the evidence, a chance to be heard and present witnesses and documents, to question adverse witnesses (unless there's good cause not to), a neutral decision-maker, and a written explanation.
  • There are usually two steps: a preliminary probable-cause hearing, then the final hearing. Ask for a lawyer; see below for how it works in your state.

Early discharge

  • Many systems allow early discharge for good compliance. Keep records of payments, treatment, work and clean tests, and ask the officer when you qualify.

Getting a job and housing

How families can help

  • If the person will live with you, your home may get officer visits and searches; remove weapons and anything prohibited before release.
  • Help with rides to appointments, reminders of dates, and a phone number where they can be reached.
  • Keep copies of the conditions, receipts and program certificates. They help with fee waivers and early discharge.
  • You can write support letters or attend hearings when they are public. Don't lie for or hide the person; that can get you in trouble too.

By system (official sources)

Idaho

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Conditions

  • The Commission of Pardons and Parole sets the conditions in writing, and the parolee signs them. They include an agreement of supervision with IDOC, reporting as instructed, obeying all laws, supporting dependents, and no firearms.
  • Probation is ordered by a judge; IDOC probation and parole officers supervise both.

First check-in

  • Go directly to the approved destination and report as the arrival notice says. Any change in travel plans needs permission from Commission staff first.

Fees and waivers

  • IDOC charges a $60 a month cost-of-supervision fee (the law allows up to $75).
  • Waiver: IDOC may waive all or part of it if the person has tried hard but can't find work, or has a disability that affects work (Idaho Code 20-225). Ask the officer in writing. Probationers can also use the Idaho court self-help form to ask for a waiver or reduction.
  • Unpaid fees can lead to sanctions and, in the end, a violation report, so ask early.

Violations, hearings and rights

  • Technical violation (anything other than absconding or a new conviction): a preliminary hearing on probable cause, then an on-site hearing within 30 days of being served the violation report.
  • Absconding or a new conviction: a hearing within a reasonable time, with no preliminary hearing.
  • Rights at the hearing: appear, respond, present witnesses and evidence, and question adverse witnesses (unless that would put someone at risk). Counsel can be requested; the Commission may provide it.
  • A decision is due within 20 days. If violations are proven, the Commission can reinstate parole, add conditions, or revoke.

Early discharge

  • The Commission will not consider early discharge until at least one year on parole (longer for sex or violent crimes: one-third of the remaining time, or 10 years on a life sentence). The parole officer or supervisor petitions for it.

Official sources: IDAPA 50.01.01 Commission rules (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Commission FAQ (opens in new tab) · IDOC: Cost-of-Supervision Fees (opens in new tab) · Idaho Code 20-225 (opens in new tab) · Idaho Code 20-1008 (opens in new tab) · Idaho Courts self-help: probation forms (opens in new tab) · IDOC Interstate Compact (opens in new tab)

Colorado

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Conditions

  • The State Board of Parole sets the conditions, even for mandatory parole. Standard conditions: report to a Community Parole Officer (CPO), keep a residence, work, no crimes, drug and alcohol testing, travel limits, and following supervision directions. Special conditions (treatment, curfew, electronic monitoring) are case by case.
  • Most felonies carry mandatory parole: 3 years for class 2–5 felonies, 2 years for class 6.

First check-in

  • The Parole Agreement or Order names the parole office to report to. If none is listed, call CDOC's 24-hour CWISE line, 1-800-426-9143. At the first visit the CPO reviews documents and sets the next appointments.

Fees and waivers

  • Conditions may include reasonable supervision costs, but by law (HB24-1445) the Board cannot revoke parole for not paying parole supervision fees. CDOC reported charging no parole supervision fees in fiscal year 2025.

Violations, hearings and rights

  • Technical violations (for example, being discharged from treatment) and new crimes can both lead to a Parole Board hearing. CPOs use interventions in place of revocation where they can, such as treatment, curfews or electronic monitoring.
  • The person waits for the hearing in jail or in the community on a summons. A Board member acts as the judge and hears from both the CPO and the parolee. Revocation hearings are open to the public at the jail; ask the parole officer how to get clearance.
  • Appeal: only the parolee or their attorney can appeal, and it must reach the Board within 30 days of the hearing.

Early discharge

  • Earned or early discharge is available for most parolees after completing 50% of the full sentence, all treatment, and successful supervision (CDOC AR 250-29).

Official sources: CDOC: Parole (opens in new tab) · CDOC: Parole FAQs (opens in new tab) · CDOC: The Parole Revocation Process (opens in new tab) · Colorado State Parole Board FAQ (opens in new tab) · HB24-1445 (PDF) (opens in new tab) · ICAOS: Colorado compact office (opens in new tab)

Nevada

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Conditions

  • Before release, the person signs a document agreeing to follow the parole conditions and waiving extradition if arrested outside Nevada. The Division of Parole and Probation supervises.

First check-in

  • Report as the release papers say. The Division must contact each parolee in person or by phone within 5 days of release (NRS 213.1218).

Fees and waivers

  • The supervision fee is $30 a month, and paying it is a condition of supervision unless waived.
  • Waiver: the Chief may waive it in whole or in part if paying would cause economic hardship (NRS 213.1076). If collection is postponed, back fees are owed if income later allows. Payments are by check or money order to the "Division of Parole and Probation", not cash; you can ask for a statement of your account.

Violations, hearings and rights

  • Technical violation means a violation that is not absconding and not a new felony, gross misdemeanor or certain listed crimes (such as domestic battery or violating a protection order). Officers must use a written system of graduated sanctions first.
  • Only after those sanctions are used up can the Board, for technical violations, temporarily revoke for up to 90 days (first time) or 180 days (second), or fully revoke on the third. Time waiting for the hearing counts.
  • After an arrest, a probable-cause inquiry must be held within 15 working days near the place of the violation, before a neutral officer. The Board then considers the case within 60 days of return to NDOC.
  • Revocation for a non-technical violation forfeits good-time credits (the Board may restore them).

Early discharge

  • The Division must recommend early discharge to the Board when the parolee has served at least 12 months on parole with no more than 12 months left, no violations in the last 12 months, fees current, restitution paid (or verified hardship), and any ordered treatment done (NRS 213.1543). Not available for lifetime supervision.

Official sources: NRS Chapter 213 (213.1076, 213.1218, 213.1511, 213.15101, 213.1519, 213.1543) (opens in new tab) · NAC 213 (fee rules) (opens in new tab) · Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners (opens in new tab) · Nevada Division of Parole and Probation (opens in new tab) · ICAOS: Nevada compact office (opens in new tab)

Utah

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Conditions

  • The Board of Pardons and Parole (BOPP) sets the conditions; Adult Probation and Parole (AP&P) supervises. The current standard conditions (Dec 2025) include: live at the approved address, follow curfew, no weapons, report any police contact within 24 hours, and do not leave Utah without written permission. Without an approved residence, the person agrees to enter a Community Correctional Center.

First check-in

  • Report to AP&P on the day of release unless told otherwise, then as AP&P directs.

Fees and waivers

  • The person must pay a monthly supervision fee unless AP&P waives it, plus restitution and any costs of a stay at a Community Correctional Center. Ask AP&P about the amount and a waiver.

Violations, hearings and rights

  • AP&P can ask the Board for a warrant. The Board may offer a waiver; if it is not returned, the Board waits up to 30 days. Without new charges, the hearing is usually within 60 days.
  • The Board provides an attorney. If violations are denied, an evidentiary hearing follows, decided by a preponderance of the evidence. If parole is revoked, the person may serve the rest of the sentence.

Early discharge

  • Full compliance with the parole agreement and case action plan, plus paying restitution, can lead the Board to end parole early, at its discretion or through AP&P’s earned early termination program (Utah Code 64-13-21(7); R671-405).

Official sources: Utah BOPP: Standard and Special Conditions of Parole (Dec 2025, PDF) (opens in new tab) · Utah Code 76-3-202 (parole term, PDF) (opens in new tab) · UDC: Utah Correctional Facilities Handbook (PDF) (opens in new tab) · Utah Board of Pardons and Parole (opens in new tab)

District of Columbia

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Conditions

  • The U.S. Parole Commission (USPC) decides parole and sets conditions for DC Code felons (D.C. Code § 24-131; 28 CFR 2.85). In DC, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) supervises.

First check-in

  • Report to CSOSA as the release papers say. CSOSA’s guidance sets deadlines of 24 or 72 hours after release, depending on the case and the releasing facility. Late reporting can lead to sanctions, such as electronic monitoring.

Fees and waivers

  • CSOSA’s guidance mentions supervision and drug testing fees only for people whose supervision is transferred to another state, under that state’s rules. Ask the supervision officer about any costs.

Violations, hearings and rights

  • If someone is arrested on a USPC warrant in DC and has no new conviction, a probable cause hearing is held within 5 days. If probable cause is found, the final revocation hearing is scheduled within 65 days of the arrest (28 CFR 2.101).
  • At a local revocation hearing, the person may present witnesses and documents (28 CFR 2.103).

Early discharge

  • The USPC may end supervision early on its own or at the parolee’s request. It reviews the case 2 years after release and at least yearly after that. After 5 years it must end supervision unless a hearing finds a reason to continue (28 CFR 2.95).

Official sources: U.S. Parole Commission (opens in new tab) · 28 CFR Part 2, Subpart C (DC Code prisoners and parolees) (opens in new tab) · CSOSA: Guidance for Individuals on Community Supervision (PDF) (opens in new tab) · D.C. Code § 24-131 (opens in new tab)

Federal supervised release

Last checked: 2026-10-22

Conditions

  • Federal courts impose mandatory, standard and special conditions. The 13 standard conditions cover: reporting, not leaving the judicial district without permission, answering the officer truthfully, notice of moves and job changes, home visits, lawful work, no contact with people engaged in crime or felons without permission, reporting police contact within 72 hours, and no firearms.

First check-in

  • Report to the probation office in the district where you are allowed to live within 72 hours of release from prison, unless told otherwise.

Fees and waivers

  • Fines and restitution ordered at sentencing are often a condition of supervision. If you can't pay, tell the officer right away and ask the defense attorney about asking the court to modify the condition (18 U.S.C. 3583(e)(2)).

Violations, hearings and rights

  • Travel and moves between federal districts are handled by the probation office, not the Interstate Compact.
  • Revocation requires a hearing under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.1: written notice of the alleged violation, disclosure of the evidence, a chance to appear, present evidence and question adverse witnesses, and a lawyer (appointed if you can't afford one).
  • The court must find a violation by a preponderance of the evidence. Revocation is mandatory for possessing drugs or a firearm, or refusing drug testing (18 U.S.C. 3583(g)). Prison time on revocation is capped by the class of the original offense.

Early discharge

  • After one year of supervised release, the court may end it early if the person's conduct and the interest of justice support it (18 U.S.C. 3583(e)(1)). Ask the officer and the defense attorney about filing a motion.

Official sources: U.S. Courts: Overview of Probation and Supervised Release Conditions (opens in new tab) · 18 U.S.C. 3583 (opens in new tab) · Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (opens in new tab) · U.S. Sentencing Commission: Primer on Supervised Release (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Other states

Each state's Interstate Compact office: ICAOS: state compact offices (official) (opens in new tab).

General information, not legal advice. No affiliate links or sponsors. Who do I contact? Pick the problem and the state · Restarting Medicaid after prison, and the first 72 hours

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Compassionate release and emergency furloughs (funerals, dying family member)

Child support during incarceration (changing the order, arrears, passports)

Property and money on transfer or release (claims, release cards, gate money)

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