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What does New York’s Less Is More law mean for those on parole?

On Behalf of | Aug 19, 2022 | Uncategorized |

Individuals currently on parole in New York State have certain responsibilities once they serve their sentences and faced jail time in the past if they did not meet certain requirements under their parole agreements. However, according to AP News, a 2021 law called “Less Is More” now allows parolees clemency under certain circumstances, preventing further time in prison.

This new law may affect most parolees in the state, and those concerned may want to understand its nuances if they wish to avoid further jail time.

What is the Less Is More law?

In the past, parolees who committed certain lesser parole violations faced additional jail time as punishment. The Less Is More law made adjustments to certain infractions that no longer result in further incarceration, including:

  • Late or missed parole fees
  • Failure to communicate a change of jobs
  • Violating curfew

New York state lawmakers hope Less Is More helps end the cycle of repeated parole-based offenders serving additional time, but parolees may want to remember that these laws may vary depending on the conditions of their parole.

Eligibility

Not all parole responsibilities fall under the Less Is More law, as it protects those who commit only minor violations. Those on parole for drunk driving or drug charges who violate their parole with similar or repeat offenses may find themselves returning to jail.

The state may offer those who commit minor parole violations the opportunity to participate in community programs in lieu of time served. This may help break the cycle of repeated jail sentences and offer parolees a more positive relationship with their parole officers and the state’s law enforcement officers.

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