on parole

on parole

Released earlier from prison than one's sentence had mandated on condition of conforming to a set of specific legal requirements. You're on parole, Dan—if you get caught stealing, they'll send you straight back to prison! No thanks, man, I'm on parole—I have to pass a drug test with my parole officer every week.
See also: on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(out) on parole

out of prison, conditionally, before one's total sentence is served. Bob was caught using drugs while out on parole and was sent back to prison. He has to be careful and obey the law because he is out on parole.
See also: on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • at doorstep
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • in keeping
  • be in (one's) good graces
  • (one's) day in court
  • at the end of (one's) fingertips
References in periodicals archive
Bowser will spend at least five more years in prison, after the state Parole Board yesterday denied re-parole mainly because of his use of cocaine less than two years after he was let out of prison on parole.
15 parole hearing they learned that while he was out on parole Mr.
"Bowser's statements at his parole hearing give reason to conclude that he would use drugs again on parole and that he is not currently suitable for community supervision because of his deception and indignant opposition to the rules and oversight of parole.
Five more years for officer's killer; Probation violation nixes re-parole
This theory holds that parolees remain in the custody of the state while on parole and, therefore, are entitled to only the same limited Fourth Amendment rights as inmates.
Probationers, parolees, and the fourth amendment
But given the number of blacks released on parole during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, it is likely that many African Georgians also knew that if they were obedient, deferential, hard-working and on good terms with local whites, they migh t, if caught within the criminal justice system, benefit from a measure of mercy.
Given the economic risks to employers they were obviously anxious to ensure that they took on parolees who were proven 'good workers', obedient and deferential.
Managing mercy: African Americans, parole and paternalism in the Georgia prison system 1919-1945