Inmate/Parolee Rights
Board Hearings
The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (Board) conducts several types of hearings. Inmates/parolees have specific rights at each hearing, which are given to them verbally and in writing. At all Board hearings, offenders have the right to disclosure of evidence in support of the violations charged against them. Offenders have the right to speak, have voluntary witnesses appear on their behalf and present affidavits and other evidence. Offenders have the right to cross-examine adverse witnesses. Offenders have the right to be represented by counsel, if an offender cannot afford counsel one will be appointed. There is no penalty for requesting counsel. Offenders may request a continuance of the hearing for a good cause. The Board will send notice of its determination either to the parolee or to the counsel who represented the individual at the hearing.
The following information contains the rights of the individual at each hearing type:
Preliminary Hearing
You have been arrested as a result of the technical parole violation(s) and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled before a hearing examiner to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that you committed the violation(s) charged. If the examiner finds probable cause, the Board may schedule a violation hearing to determine whether you should be recommitted as a technical violator.
Violation Hearing
The Board has scheduled a violation hearing to determine whether you should be recommitted as a technical violator because of the violation(s) charged. You have a right to be heard by a panel.
Detention Hearing
You have been arrested as the result of new criminal charge(s). A detention hearing has been scheduled before a hearing examiner to determine whether you should be detained pending disposition of the criminal charge(s).
Revocation Hearing
The Board has scheduled a revocation hearing to determine whether you should be recommitted as a convicted violator because of the conviction(s) charged. You have a right to be heard by a panel.
Notice of Additional Charges
The Board has already detained you on other charges as a result of:
1. Probable cause established as to technical parole violations on or about ____________ .
2. Probable cause established (detention hearing) as a result of new criminal charges on or about ____________.
3. Prima facie case established on new criminal charges (criminal preliminary hearing) on or about ____________ .