How to Pass a Parole Hearing

After serving part of a sentence, a prisoner can win parole, release from a correctional facility into a community where he or she will finish the sentence under close supervision. The parole review board will grant the prisoner's release only after a hearing. Follow these steps to pass the board's review.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Pass a Parole Hearing

1. Apply for parole. Prisoners must fill out a parole application and sign it to be considered.
2. Wait for notification from a case manager, who will notify you when your parole hearing is scheduled.
3. Expect an initial parole hearing within a few months after your prison sentence begins.
4. Know what to expect. Talk with your attorney, a parole board representative, experienced clergymen and social service agency workers who can prepare you for the hearing.
5. Answer all questions directly and honestly.
6. The victims may be asked to testify at your parole hearing. Prepare yourself to face them as well as any witnesses who may also be called to testify for or against you.
7. File an appeal. Should the parole commission rule against you, you have the right to file an appeal with the National Appeals Board (see Resources below).
8. Seek the help of a support group after you pass your parole hearing. Many parole arrangements require parolees to attend regular support groups for alcohol or drug abuse, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• The parole commission and its representatives have sole discretion when it comes to granting parole to prisoners, but parole cannot be granted before the eligibility date determined by the US judicial code. Prisoners typically become eligible for parole after completing a third of their sentence.
• Parole hearings can be nearly as psychologically grueling as a jury trial. Be prepared to face your victims again. This is a good time to express remorse.