Legal Definitions - indeterminate conditional release

Indeterminate conditional release refers to a type of release from prison where an individual is allowed to live in the community, but their freedom is subject to a set of specific rules and requirements that continue indefinitely. This release is not for a fixed period; it remains in effect as long as the individual adheres to all stipulated conditions. If any of these conditions are violated, the release can be revoked, and the individual may be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.

• Example 1: Drug-Related Offense

  Imagine a person named Alex, who was incarcerated for a drug trafficking offense. After serving a portion of their sentence, they are granted an indeterminate conditional release. The conditions of their release include regular mandatory drug testing, attending weekly substance abuse counseling sessions, maintaining stable employment, and avoiding contact with known drug users.

  This illustrates an indeterminate conditional release because Alex's freedom is not absolute; it's conditional on adhering to these specific rules. The "indeterminate" aspect means these conditions are ongoing and do not expire after a set number of months or years; they continue for the foreseeable future as long as Alex is in the community under this release. If Alex fails a drug test or stops attending counseling, their release can be revoked, and they could be sent back to prison.

• Example 2: Violent Crime

  Consider Maria, who was convicted of assault and served several years in prison. She is then granted an indeterminate conditional release. Her conditions include staying within a specific county, not possessing any weapons, attending anger management therapy, and having no contact with the victim or their family.

  Maria's release is conditional on her strict adherence to these rules. The "indeterminate" nature means these restrictions are not temporary; they are ongoing for the entire period she is out of prison under this release. If Maria violates the no-contact order or is found with a weapon, her release can be revoked, leading to her return to incarceration.

• Example 3: Financial Fraud

  David, who was imprisoned for embezzlement, receives an indeterminate conditional release. His conditions include making regular restitution payments to his victims, reporting all significant financial transactions to his parole officer, and being prohibited from holding any position involving financial trust.

  This demonstrates an indeterminate conditional release because David's freedom is conditional upon fulfilling these financial obligations and restrictions. The "indeterminate" aspect signifies that these conditions are continuous and do not have an end date; they persist throughout his time in the community under this release. Should David fail to make restitution payments or attempt to gain a position of financial trust, his release can be revoked, and he could be sent back to prison.