Parole
Parole is the conditional release of a prison inmate after serving part (if not all) or their sentence, allowing the inmate to live in the community under the supervision for a defined length of time. Parole is granted by a board or parole or a board of commission, who evaluate the inmate and their crime in order to determine whether or not it is a good idea that they be released to live among the community. Parole will have strict guidelines that must be followed by the inmate at all times, otherwise they will be in violation of their parole and may be sent back to prison. There are two major components that parole boards consider when determining an inmate’s eligibility for parole. First, a risk assessment is made of the inmate, basically determining how much at risk they are of committing another crime upon being released from prison. Second, the severity of their offense will be considered.
In addition to these two components, the parole board will also weigh what are known as “static” and “dynamic” factors when considering an inmate’s parole eligibility. Static factors are those associated with the offender’s prior criminal record and these will not change over time. Dynamic factors reflect characteristics the offender has demonstrated since being incarcerated and these can change over time. Some static factors that will be taken into consideration include the age of the inmate during their first incarceration in a juvenile or adult correctional facility; the history of supervisory release revocations for felony offenses; prior incarcerations; employment history; and the commitment offense. Dynamic factors include the offender’s current age; whether the offender is a confirmed security threat group (gang member); education, vocational and certified on the job training programs completed during current incarceration; prison disciplinary conduct; current prison custody level.
Together, these factors will help the parole board come up with a score for that particular inmate indicating their level of risk. If their risk is low enough, they may be granted parole and will be released into the community and ordered to follow strict guidelines. If these guidelines are not followed and the parole board or judge’s specifications are not adhered to, the defendant will be found in violation of their parole and may be sent back to prison.
For more information about parole and parole violations, contact an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney today!