In each state, the board of parole conducts parole interviews on interested and eligible prisoners. And just as Robert Frost said, “Freedom lies in being bold,” passing a parole interview requires boldness. Like any other interview, a parole hearing involves preparation.
Therefore, prisoners can seek guidance from reliable sources or bodies. An example of a resourceful person is the offender rehabilitation coordinator ORC. The fact that interviewers adhere to a legitimate requirement makes it easy to prepare for parole interviews.
This article seeks to help eligible parolees with resourceful information for their hearing.
How to apply for a parole hearing
Interested prisoners should fill an application form, sign and submit it to the appropriate agency. The application will then receive a number and a case manager.
The manager will update the applicant on the scheduling of parole interviews and other possible requirements. Again, the manager will forward the applications to the parole board.
In most cases, the detainee qualifies for parole after serving half or more of their term in custody.
Questions to expect in a parole interview
There is no universal or chronological order for parole interview questions. But, in most cases, the board members will ask:
- Cause of imprisonment,
- liability for the crime,
- release plans,
- declaration by the victims or their families,
- recovery efforts, like acquiring skills or education,
- likelihood of reentry and,
- letters from the sentencing court, defense attorney at the time of the offense, and district attorney.
Tips for passing parole interview questions
Although the discretion to grant or deny parole lies with the board, sticking to the below tips will increase your chances of winning a parole release.
- Be ready. First, be presentable. Then seek guidance from the clergy, prisoner’s lawyer, or social workers. Also, assess your document because most questions will come from them.
- Be honest. Avoid lies. The chances are that the board members will notice when you lie.
- Be composed. Sometimes interviews do not take the direction we would like them to; thus, the composition is vital.
- Prepare for any objection from the victim or their family
- Request for clarifications. If you don’t understand what the interviewer is asking, you can kindly request clarification.
If you convince the board, it will grant parole and sets a release date (also open date). However, before the release date is set, the detainee will be requested to supply the Department of corrections and community supervision, DOCCS, workers with a release plan. DOCCS will forward the plan to a parole officer to scrutinize housing, work, medical care, and education programs.
After scrutiny, the parole officer gives the results to the community supervision officer for evaluation and permission. In the event that a parolee has housing challenges, the parole officer and the offender rehabilitation coordinator can help them acquire a place to reside.
On the contrary, if your answers are not satisfactory, the board will deny parole. Luckily you can appeal the hearing.
Conclusion
The board of parole runs parole hearings. Just a job interview, a parole interview requires preparation. Since the board follows a set guideline, you can revise and be ready to face the panel.
To pass a parole hearing, then you have to be ready, composed, and seek advice from the clergy, social worker, and your lawyer.
