Georgia Parole Board Information
Georgia's State Board of Pardons and Paroles, which was established in 1943, forms part of the executive branch of Georgia's government. The board is charged with making informed decisions which can enable offender to transition back into the community. To achieve this, the board is authorized to grant a broad range of sentence reductions, ranging from commutation to full pardons.
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Parole
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Parole is a relaxation of sentence less complete than a full pardon, which allows offenders to go free. Once granted parole, an offender is freed from prison after serving a portion of his sentence. The offender is not, however, completely free from state control, as the state stipulates conditions for an offender's parole, which may include house arrest, travel restrictions and a requirement to secure gainful employment. Violation of any conditions may result in re-imprisonment.
The Decision Process
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Members of the parole board determine whether or not to grant an inmate parole by examining the inmate's file and deciding whether to deny parole or set a tentative parole month, which can be altered at any time prior to an inmate's release for any reason. The file examined by the parole board includes an interview with the inmate, background information, criminal history, and detail's of the inmate's offense.
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Parole Eligibility
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Most inmates are eligible for a parole hearings after serving one-third of their sentence. Exceptions to this rule include inmates sentenced to life without parole, inmates who are repeat felons and inmates who are serving sentences for a definite number of years for violent felonies. If denied parole, inmates are typically not reconsidered. However, should the Board receive pertinent new information, it may decide to revisit a previous decision.
Parole Supervision
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Once they are released on parole, offenders may be placed under 24 hour per day electronic monitoring. While this is generally reserved for violent offenders, the Board may require any parolee to serve under this restriction for a set period of time. Additionally, sex offenders must register their names and addresses with their local sheriffs and school superintendents. Violent sexual predators must register with their local sheriffs every 90 days, indefinitely.
Board Members
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The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles consists of five members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Georgia State Senate. Board members serve for staggered terms of seven years. Staggered terms prevent too many board member seats from going up for election at once, ensuring that the board always has some experienced members. Also, once appointed, members cannot be easily be removed from office, which protects them from political pressures.
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References
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