Criminal Lawyer
Are you up for parole soon? If so, call a criminal defense lawyer for advice and guidance.
When you have been incarcerated for so long, you may be eligible for parole. If this is true for you or a family member, it is important that you do everything possible to ensure you receive the freedom you are hoping to get.
Parole is a discretionary release from prison that is granted by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. It includes your ability to be released into the community and serve the remainder of your sentence under supervision. Parole is not always available, so when you are eligible for it, you should consider it to be . As soon as your eligibility date is known, call a criminal defense lawyer to ensure you are properly represented.
Potential Options for Parole
Unfortunately Hollywood portrays the criminal justice system in a way that suggests once you are convicted of a crime, your life is over. This is not true and are merely dramatic representations to gain the viewer’s’ attention. If you put your mind to an early release, via parole, it is often very possible. In general, you will be eligible for parole after you:
- Serve a portion of your sentence, usually one-fourth, for most crimes
- Serve a portion of your sentence, usually one-half, for serious crimes
The parole board decides who may be eligible for parole, and under what conditions. It is also up to the board to decide whether or not to revoke your parole in the event you violate the conditions. If you are eligible for parole, you will need to convince the board that you deserve their approval. At your hearing, the board will review elements such as:
- The time you have spent in prison
- The charges that sent you to prison
- Whether you may be a danger to society
- Your work and living situation after you leave prison
- Whether you have been rehabilitated while you were in prison
A criminal defense lawyer can help you to gather evidence from family members that can support your parole eligibility; including:
- Letters
- Proof of residency
- Proof of income or a job opportunity
- Transcripts of courses you may have completed in prison
In general, you will need to gather this information at least six months ahead of time. So you should consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Preparing for Your Parole Hearing
As soon as you learn that you are eligible for parole, you might feel excited or nervous about your early release. However, it is important that you not lose sight of being able to strengthen your argument to the parole board. A criminal defense lawyer can help you with your parole hearing. They understand the system, how it works, and what is needed to get positive results. Even if your family members are unable to meet your lawyer, they will do their best to schedule things remotely. Whatever they can legally do to make your parole a reality, they will give it a try. For a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco, CA, call a law firm today.
Thanks to the Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal defense and parole.