Federal Supervised Release

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What is Supervised Release from Federal Prison?

After serving time in federal prison most people will go through a period of federal supervised release (FSR). In fact, 8 out of 10 people sentenced to federal prison will go through court-ordered supervised release.

Federal Supervised release is different from parole. Parole is used as a substitute for some of the prison sentences. The supervised release program was instituted as a way to ease the transition to everyday life after a prison sentence. During this period of release, an offender will be supervised by a US Probation Officer.

The length of a Federal Supervised Release term depends on the severity of the crime previously committed. For example, a Class E Felony comes with a maximum FSR term of 1 year. Class A or B felonies (which can be convictions for violent crimes) come with up to 5 years.

Specific terms and conditions come with this type of supervision as determined by the Federal Sentencing Commission. A judge will likely order things like drug tests, psychological help, and other special terms. Along with these terms, there are other basic conditions (not violating the law being a top priority).

A violation of federal probation or federal supervised release occurs when someone supervised commits a new violation of the law. Or, it can happen if they technically violate a term or condition of their supervision. The sentencing potential is directly related to the severity of the violation.

Federal law and federal offenses can be complex when compared to state laws and state court cases. If you or a loved one has found yourself facing a federal offense, a criminal defense lawyer with proper experience could provide crucial knowledge during such a time as this. Attorney Molly Parmer has defended clients against the federal government in a variety of high-stakes cases throughout the northern district of Georgia. To learn more about Molly Pamer’s previous results click here.

What are Federal Supervised Release Violations?

Grade A Violations — conduct constituting (A) a federal, state, or local offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year that (i) is a crime of violence, (ii) is a controlled substance offense, or (iii) involves possession of a firearm or destructive device of a type described in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a); or (B) any other federal, state, or local offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding twenty years;

Grade B Violations — conduct constituting any other federal, state, or local offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year;

Grade C Violations — conduct constituting (A) a federal, state, or local offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of one year or less; or (B) a violation of any other condition of supervision.

Probation officers are obligated to report Grade A and Grade B violations. Your release can be revoked but you will have a chance to face a federal judge. There you can contest the violation and present your case.

Grade C violations are different. Probation officers do not need to report Grade C violations. Your attorney will have to make a case before the officer. They can try to convince them that this was a one-off event and not a criminal pattern.