Parole Attorney in Amarillo, Texas
Your Freedom Shouldn't Depend on a Hearing You Walk
A parole revocation hearing or a motion to revoke probation can put your freedom at serious risk — quickly and with limited procedural protections compared to a full criminal trial. The burden of proof is lower. Hearsay evidence is admissible. And the outcome can mean returning to prison or county jail for years. As a parole attorney in Amarillo, Texas, Jarrett Johnston at Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle has a proven record of presenting compelling cases to parole boards and judges — telling the full story of who a client is, what they have accomplished, and why their continued freedom serves everyone’s interests.
Parole and Probation in Texas — Understanding the Difference
Parole and probation are both forms of supervised release — but they arise in different ways and are handled by different systems. Parole is release from prison before the full sentence is served, granted by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Probation (called community supervision in Texas) is a sentence served in the community instead of prison, imposed by the trial court. A violation of either can result in incarceration — but the procedures for addressing the violation differ significantly.
A parole attorney in Amarillo, Texas handles both parole revocation proceedings before the Board of Pardons and Paroles and probation violation hearings (motions to revoke) before the trial court. In both contexts, the stakes are high, the hearing moves quickly, and the quality of the representation directly affects the outcome. Jarrett Johnston and Ethan Colley have handled parole hearings and probation revocation proceedings throughout the Texas Panhandle, securing continued freedom for clients who faced serious consequences.
Parole Revocation in Texas — What Triggers It and What Happens
Parole can be revoked when a parolee allegedly violates the conditions of their release — which can include technical violations such as failing to report, leaving the county without permission, or testing positive for drugs, as well as new criminal offenses. The revocation process includes a preliminary hearing and a revocation hearing before a parole officer and, ultimately, the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
- The burden of proof at a parole revocation hearing is preponderance of the evidence — much lower than the reasonable doubt standard at trial
- Hearsay evidence is generally admissible at revocation hearings
- The parolee has the right to appear, present evidence, and have the assistance of counsel
- The Board can revoke parole, continue parole with additional conditions, or discharge the parolee from supervision
- If revoked, the parolee is returned to custody to serve the remainder of their sentence
The key to a successful parole hearing is presenting the full picture of the parolee’s life and circumstances — what they have accomplished since release, what support systems are in place, what the consequences of revocation would be, and why continued supervision in the community serves everyone’s interests better than reincarceration. Jarrett Johnston has spent decades building those presentations for clients who everyone else had written off.
Motion to Revoke Probation in Texas — What You Are Facing
When a defendant on probation (community supervision) allegedly violates the conditions of their probation, the State can file a Motion to Revoke Probation. The case returns to the trial court that imposed the probation for a revocation hearing.
- The burden of proof at a probation revocation hearing is preponderance of the evidence — not reasonable doubt
- The court can revoke probation and sentence the defendant to jail or prison, modify the conditions of probation, or continue probation without change
- If probation is revoked after a deferred adjudication, the court can impose any sentence within the range applicable to the original offense
- The defendant has the right to appear with counsel and contest the alleged violations
Probation violations range from technical violations — missing a meeting, failing to pay a fine — to new criminal conduct. Technical violations, particularly first violations, are often defensible with the right representation and the right presentation to the court. We evaluate every alleged violation, the circumstances surrounding it, and the defendant’s overall record on supervision to build the strongest possible case for continued probation.
The Stakes at a Parole or Probation Hearing
At a parole revocation hearing, the parolee can be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence — which could be years or decades. At a probation revocation hearing, the court can impose any sentence that was available at the time of conviction, including the maximum prison sentence for the original offense. Both proceedings move faster than a full criminal trial, with fewer procedural protections. The quality of the legal representation at these hearings directly determines what happens next.
A Parole Attorney in Amarillo With a Record of Fighting for Clients No One Else Would
Jarrett Johnston has been representing clients at parole hearings and probation revocation proceedings throughout the Texas Panhandle since 2004. His approach to these hearings reflects the same philosophy he brings to every criminal matter: present the full truth about who the client is, not just the record that got them to this point. He documents accomplishments, community ties, employment, family support, and every factor that supports continued freedom — and he presents that case with the same preparation and conviction he brings to a jury trial.
Attorney Ethan Colley provides additional criminal defense support, ensuring that parole and probation clients receive focused attention from a dedicated criminal defense team — not a general practice firm handling criminal matters as a sideline.
Jarrett Johnston represented me in a Parole hearing. He was able to show the parole board who I was and I was out of prison in 21 days. Jarrett has a great gift for presenting the facts. I was never supposed to get out of prison, but Jarrett made it happen. Today I am married, own a business and am a homeowner. One of my best choices in my life was to hire Jarrett. Thanks Jarrett for getting my life back.
Jerry R.
Parole & Probation Questions — Answered
Can I fight a parole revocation in Texas?
Yes. You have the right to appear at a revocation hearing, present evidence and witnesses, and contest the alleged violations with the assistance of counsel. The outcome of the hearing depends significantly on the quality of that presentation — who you are, what you have accomplished since release, the circumstances of the alleged violation, and why continued supervision in the community is appropriate. We build and present that case for you.
What happens if my probation is revoked in Texas?
If your probation is revoked, the court can sentence you to any punishment available for the original offense — including the maximum prison sentence. For deferred adjudication cases, revocation means the court finds you guilty and can impose the full range of punishment. The stakes are serious, and the hearing moves quickly. Contact an attorney as soon as you learn that revocation proceedings have begun.
What is the difference between technical violations and new offense violations?
A technical violation is a violation of the conditions of supervision that does not involve new criminal conduct — failing to report, missing community service hours, not paying fees, leaving the county without permission. A new offense violation arises when the parolee or probationer commits a new crime while on supervision. Both can result in revocation, but technical violations — particularly first violations with otherwise good compliance — are often defensible with effective representation and a strong presentation of the client’s overall record on supervision.
What if I cannot afford an attorney for my parole hearing?
You have the right to counsel at a parole revocation hearing and a probation revocation hearing. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be entitled to appointed counsel. However, appointed counsel in these proceedings is often limited in resources and time. If at all possible, hiring experienced private counsel gives you a significantly stronger presentation — particularly in parole board hearings where the quality of the advocate’s presentation directly affects the board’s decision.
Facing a Parole or Probation Hearing in the Texas Panhandle? We Fight for You.
A parole revocation or probation violation hearing can determine years of your life. Contact Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle for a free consultation with an experienced parole attorney in Amarillo, Texas who will build the strongest possible case for your continued freedom.