How to Find Out What Factors Go Into a Parole Hearing

To be eligible for parole, an offender must have typically served at least a full third of the ordered sentence in a correctional facility. At the time of the parole eligibility date, a parole hearing will be set where the offender, victims and witnesses will be asked to testify to determine if the offender may serve the remainder of the sentence under the supervision of a parole officer outside the institution.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access to find information on what factors go into a parole hearing

Find Out What Factors Go Into a Parole Hearing

1. Coordinate with your attorney. Attorneys experienced in parole law are an invaluable resource during your hearing. If you do not have an attorney, contact an advocacy group such as the ACLU's Prison Project (see Resources below) to help you.
2. Prepare yourself. Sitting in front of the parole commission can be a nerve-racking experience, so practice what you'll say ahead of time.
3. Tell your story simply, honestly and directly. The parole hearing is your chance to tell your side of the story. You have the right to be heard at your parole hearing.
4. Expect witnesses and victims to be present and to testify. A main factor that goes into a parole hearing is the testimony of witnesses and victims.
5. Pay attention to the decision-making criteria. The parole commission will state directly what factors are being considered. Even if you're denied parole the first time, you'll want to be intimately familiar with these guidelines to prepare for the next hearing.
6. Highlight your accomplishments and achievements while inside the correctional facility.
7. Be prepared to discuss your prior criminal history. The parole commission will want to know if you represent a continued threat to public welfare and will use that information to set the restrictions of your parole with your parole officer.
8. The parole commission bases its decision on factors such as witness testimony, the nature of the crime, your prior history, your likelihood of becoming a repeat offender, remorse and time served.
9. Create a detailed release plan that includes where you'll work, where you'll live and how you plan to adjust to the financial, social and psychological difficulties of being on parole.

Tips & Warnings

• Several factors will be considered by the parole commission to determine parole eligibility. You will want to be prepared to address each during your parole hearing.
• Offenders have the right to be notified beforehand when a parole hearing is upcoming. A parole hearing is your chance to prove that you deserve to be paroled and it can be a very stressful situation. Sometimes an offender will have to undergo multiple hearings before parole is granted.