Finding out that a loved one has been arrested on a Texas Blue Warrant is a nightmare scenario. One minute they are home, working toward a fresh start; the next, they are behind bars in a county jail with no bond, and you are left wondering if they are headed straight back to prison.

At Guest & Gray, we know the panic you’re feeling. As the largest criminal defense firm in Kaufman County with deep roots in Rockwall and Plano, we’ve helped countless families navigate the Texas parole revocation process. The first 48 hours are critical. Here is exactly what you need to know and what you must do to protect your loved one’s freedom.

1. Understand What a “Blue Warrant” Actually Is

In Texas, a “Blue Warrant” is an arrest warrant issued by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. It signifies that the Parole Division believes a person has violated the terms of their release.

Unlike a standard criminal arrest, there is typically no bond for a Blue Warrant. This means your loved one cannot simply “bail out.” They will remain in custody until the Board of Pardons and Paroles makes a decision or a revocation hearing is held.

2. Identify the Type of Violation

The strategy for a defense depends entirely on why the warrant was issued. There are two main categories:

● Technical Violations: These are non-criminal breaches of parole rules, such as failing a drug test, missing a meeting with a parole officer, or moving without permission.

● Substantive (Law) Violations: These occur when the person is accused of committing a new crime while on parole.

3. Don’t Let Them Waive Their Rights

Within the first 48 to 72 hours, a parole officer will likely visit your loved one in jail to conduct a pre-revocation interview. During this meeting, the officer may encourage them to sign a “Waiver of Revocation Hearing.”

Warning: They should never sign anything without an attorney present. Many people sign waivers thinking it will speed up their release, but in reality, signing a waiver is often a one-way ticket back to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

4. The Power of the Preliminary and Revocation Hearing

Every person on parole has a constitutional right to due process. This includes:

● The Preliminary Hearing: To determine if there is “probable cause” that a violation occurred.

● The Revocation Hearing: Where a Hearing Officer hears evidence and makes a recommendation to the Board.

Having a local Texas parole lawyer at these hearings is the difference between a “return to prison” vote and a “continue on supervision” vote. We can present mitigating evidence—like proof of employment, family support, or participation in treatment—that can convince the Board to give your loved one a second chance.

5. Why You Need a Local Advocate Immediately

The Texas parole system moves fast, but it is also prone to administrative delays. A dedicated attorney can:

● Contact the Parole Officer: Sometimes, we can negotiate for the warrant to be withdrawn before it even reaches a hearing.

● Request an ISF or SAFPF: If a violation occurred due to substance abuse, we can fight for placement in an Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF) or SAFPF rather than a return to prison.

● Protect Against New Charges: If the Blue Warrant is based on a new criminal allegation in Kaufman or Rockwall County, we can handle both the new defense and the parole matter simultaneously.

Your Next Step: Call Guest & Gray

Don’t wait for the system to decide your loved one’s fate. The decisions made in the first few days of a Blue Warrant arrest will impact the rest of their life.

Guest & Gray offers the local experience and aggressive advocacy you need during this crisis. We are your neighbors, and we are ready to fight for your family.