Adult Probation - General

Someone on probation usually has not served any time in jail on that sentence. A person on parole has served a portion of that sentence in jail. Usually there are no differences in the standard conditions of supervision governing probation or parole. The biggest difference occurs if the defendant violates his/her conditions. If you are on probation, your original sentence may be revoked and a new sentence imposed. If you are on parole you may have to return to prison to continue serving your original sentence.

Defendants under active supervision may not have any weapons, including but not limited to, rifles, shotguns, or handguns on their person, in their residence, or in their vehicle. Additionally, if someone is convicted of a crime that could have carried a maximum penalty of more than two years, or involved a firearm or explosive, they are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm(s) under the provisions of the Federal Gun Control Act Of 1968 and 1986.

Someone under active supervision may only leave Pennsylvania for less than 12 hours unless they receive a temporary travel permit issued by their probation officer. Offenders should request a travel permit well in advance of their anticipated departure date. Defendants who travel outside of Pennsylvania without a valid travel permit may be subject to arrest by any state they travel to.

Generally speaking, a sentence in which the defendant receives a term of imprisonment of two years or more will be under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.

Yes. Probation/parole officers obtain their authority from PA Act 277, August 6, 1963 and amended by PA Act 1992-117, December 4, 1992, which states that probation/parole officers shall have the power of peace officers in the performance of their duties and shall have police powers and authority throughout the Commonwealth to arrest with or without warrant any person on probation, intermediate punishment or parole for any violation of probation, intermediate punishment or parole.

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program is a pre-trial alternative for certain first time offenders facing disposition on a non-violent offense. The District Attorney's Office established the eligibility criteria and must approve the offender's application. The Adult Probation and Parole Department supervises those placed into the Program. Successful participants can earn a dismissal of the charges and are eligible for an expungement. Read more...

Once your ARD case has been closed out successfully, the Probation Department will mail you a completion of your Probation letter and instructions for dismissal of the charges, along with a list of attorneys that can assist you in the dismissal process.  You may contact your attorney or use one from the list.  You must provide them the letter of successful completion of probation.  The Dismissal will simply show that your case is no longer active and it has been “dismissed”.  It will continue to show up in any Criminal History Background Check.  To have your ARD case removed from the Criminal History Check, you must have the case “Expunged”.  You must contact an Attorney to have this service completed.  This service is not free, and the prices may vary with attorneys.