An Overview on Parole and Its Guidelines

Parole is defined as the discharge of an inmate prior to full servitude of the sentence. Particularly, parole is awarded to inmates who have been showing exemplary behavior while serving the term and whose evaluation by the parole board shows that they not likely to repeat the offense once released. The purpose and concept of parole is to support the inmates to behave well while serving the sentence and allow them a chance to gradually return to the society as a rehabilitated person.

In some state, an offender convicted of a misdemeanor or received a sentence of at least less than a year may qualify for an early release after serving at least a quarter of the sentence ruled by the court of law. Parole is only for those who have committed a lesser crime which is not violent in nature and is deemed to be a non- threat to the society once the prisoner is granted a parole.

Inmates who can qualify for a parole has to set a meeting with the parole board and discuss the possibility of an early release. With the help of a parole official, this meeting can be set up inside the prison where the offender is being held. The meeting is mostly about the behavior of the offender while incarcerated and the likelihood of being a repeat offender will also be evaluated. The offender has to prove the parole board that he has indeed showed an exemplary behavior and that his no longer a threat to society and has been completely rehabilitated. If the parole board will determine that indeed the prisoner has been completely rehabilitated, the chances for parole are imminent after several more deliberation with the entire parole board.

Some state has several qualifying requirements that will determine if the inmate is ready for an early release. The inmate must have reached the PED or parole eligibility date which is determined during the ruling of the sentence of the last meeting with parole board. The must also be able to show a positive behavior and a recorded development in education or any other prison program or the psychological treatment being extend to some who are deemed to be psychologically imbalanced. It also make an offender eligible for parole once the parole board determined that the inmate already had served enough time for his sentence and can prove to the parole board that he or she is not a potential threat to the society. During the interview, the inmate should be able to present a viable and practical plan on how to be able to obtain and remain in employment, have a permanent residence and other similar circumstances pertaining to the actions of the inmate once released.

The interview is usually set one month prior to the parole board’s evaluation of the inmate’s eligibility for parole. If the assessment of the inmate turns out positive, parole will be granted on that same day. But if the inmate failed to convince the board, the parole board will then give the inmate a defer which will state when is the next time the inmate will be able to set up a meeting again with the parole board for another round of deliberation for his early release.