The process of granting a parole means that the felons leave jail or are released from prison. They get the grant before finishing their term of sentence. Meanwhile, the felons get a temporary or permanent release. However, they agree with some conditions concerning the maximum sentence of the period.
Furthermore, parole often includes things such as obeying the law, refraining from drug and alcohol use, avoiding contact with victims, getting a job, and meeting with a parole officer. Talking about the word ‘Parole’, it backdates to the Middle Ages, when prisoners were released to live in their world.
Process of Granting a Parole in the United States
In the United States, the courts mention the sentence and time given to a prisoner, before he or she gets qualified for parole. Some of the states follow the process of granting a parole after considering the parole authority.
A number of states have terminated discretionary parole, including Florida, California, and New York. Meanwhile, other states allow the sentence of life imprisonment without a possibility of parole.
What happens at a parole hearing?
Here, three or more members of the parole board make decisions on felony convictions based on documents. To put the felons in prison, some of the information is vital. Look below.
- Why they are in custody?
- A psychological, medical, or a psychiatric statement
- Felonies committed in the past
- Judge’s statement about felon’s sentence
- Whether they are likely to commit more crimes or pose a danger to the public
- What do they plan to do once released from jail
- Victim’s statement during the parole hearing
Furthermore, there may be an advocate, prison psychologist, and victims present along with the witnesses. Thereafter, the parole board writes about the conclusion thereby keeping the decisions held at the hearing private.
Process of granting a parole – Categories of parole
The parole category can vary between different locales, states, and federal systems. Overall, there are three major paroles.
Mandatory Parole
Also referred to as the “good time” for the felony convicted individuals. A prison system will award convictions at the time of their judgment. When they reach the end of their sentence minus the days off for “good time”, the felon individuals are granted mandatory parole.
Discretionary Parole
Here, the imprisoned person will reach the parole board before their parole date is over. Based on the parole board’s decision these felons are granted parole. However, these decisions can award discretionary parole to felony-convicted individuals.
Expiatory Parole
If an imprisoned person has completed their entire sentence in jail with no time off for “good time”, they are granted expiatory parole.
Process of granting a parole – The usual conditions
When it comes to parole, it can include several conditions. These conditions vary greatly depending on your felony and behavior in the jail. Meanwhile, the parole also depends on where the conviction was held, and other factors. However, there are few common conditions normally the felons have to follow while on parole.
If you are on parole, you must comply with the following. These are the most common conditions of parole; however, you might get other conditions as well to follow.
- Get hired in a job and you have an accommodation
- Not getting engaged with criminals activities
- No more usage of drugs or alcohol
- Report to parole officer regularly
- No contact with any victims of your crime
What happens if you break the conditions of Parole?
Talking about the process of granting a parole, every felon needs to comply with the conditions as stated above. However, if they do not comply, the felons can end up in parole violation. It can further lead to sending these felons sending back to prison.
Meanwhile, not all the violations send felons to jail, there are minor transgressions too. It can include for example drinking alcohol that may require more alcohol-related treatment. However, the least you will face is serving your whole sentence in prison.
Secondly, if you violate the conditions, the parole officer might apply for a parole hearing. At this hearing, a judge or a board will take into consideration the conditions violated. The final decision rests with the court, where they can penalize the felons. Further, the court can imply more conditions to follow based on the type of parole.
