Parole

Parole is the legal term for the conditional release of a prisoner before the completion of his incarceration sentence. An individual’s eligibility for parole will depend on state law and the specifics of the situation. Every state implements their own laws regarding parole eligibility, parole conditions, parolee supervision, and the like.

Most states have laws which define the “minimum term” of an offender’s incarceration sentence. The minimum term is a portion of the total sentence that a person receives after being convicted of a crime and sentenced by a judge. After this time has been served, and there are no extenuating circumstances, a prisoner may be eligible for parole. A prisoner may also be able to earn “good behavior” credits for exemplary behavior while incarcerated. Good behavior may facilitate a prisoner’s eligibility for early parole. Habitual offenders and offenders who have committed certain crimes may not be eligible to earn these credits.

Parole is not a right, it is a privilege. The state is not required to offer every prisoner parole, and many prisoners are denied parole on their first request. In order to request parole a prisoner must have fulfilled certain preliminary requirements before the parole board will entertain his request. The parole board will examine several factors when determining whether or not to grant parole.

A parole board is more apt to grant parole when a prisoner accepts responsibility for the crimes s/he committed, demonstrates consistently commendable conduct during incarceration, takes advantage of prison programs, and similar actions. The parole board will also base parole decisions on such factors as the offender’s age, the amount of time served and the amount that remains, and the quality of the inmate’s physical and psychological health. Parole will be denied for any inmate that the authorities believe may pose a threat to society upon release.

If an offender is granted parole, the parole board will detail the exact conditions of the individual’s release. The length of parole is dependant upon a number of case and state specific factors. If a person should violate the terms of their parole, their parole time may be extended or they may be sent back to jail.

During parole, an offender will be supervised and monitored. Parole conditions are often very stringent and will dictate where a person can live and work, whom they can associate with, and many other provisions. Parolees may be restricted from travel, going to certain places (such as bars or schools), and doing certain things. Persons who are granted parole must also fulfill a number of provisions of release such as compulsory psychological counseling, drug or alcohol programs, routine chemical testing, and more.

If you or a loved one is incarcerated for a criminal offense, you may wish to speak with a legal professional. Please contact us to speak with a qualified attorney who can speak with you about parole and help to protect and maximize your legal interests.

Related Parole News 

Nov 15, 2007 - Officials in South Carolina Fight over Parole 

July 3, 2007 - Good-Time Credits Poise Some Inmates for Earlier Release