A parole hold is an authorized detention of a person who is suspected of a parole violation. People on parole can be detained if law enforcement officers have a reasonable belief that they have violated one or more of the terms of their parole. Once taken into custody, the parolee must be notified of the reason for the hold within a set period of time before being taken to a hearing to discuss whether or not parole should be revoked. People held on suspicion of violating their parole may be denied the opportunity to pay bail.

When prisoners are released on parole, they are presented with a list of conditions they must meet. These usually include not violating the law and can also include not associating with certain people or going to certain locations. People on parole are expected to check in regularly with parole officers to demonstrate that they are complying with the terms and making progress with reintegrating into the community. A parole officer can initiate a parole hold if he or she believes that the parolee is violating the terms of the parole and a law enforcement officer can do the same.

In a parole hold, the parolee is taken to a jail or holding facility and booked in. The laws about how long someone can be held without being notified of the charges vary. In some regions, it may be 48 hours, while in others, it may be a week or more. If the parolee is not going to be charged with a parole violation, he or she must be released from the parole hold.

Bail may be denied to someone on a parole hold on the grounds that the parolee poses a danger to people or property or if there is a concern that the person may attempt to flee to evade legal penalties. Once charged with a parole violation, the parolee can be taken to a parole revocation hearing in which evidence is presented to demonstrate that the accused violated parole. The judge at the hearing can determine whether or not a return to prison is appropriate and how long the prison sentence should be.

Different laws may apply, depending on where a parolee is located and the nature of the initial crime and the parole violation. It is advisable for people on parole, along with their friends and family, to meet with a parole officer when released on parole to go over the terms of the parole and the potential consequences for violations. This will prevent unpleasant surprises and provide the parolee and supporters with information about his or her rights under the law.