Parole Hearings
Parole Hearing Attorney in Austin, TX
If you are up for parole, use a skilled and experienced parole lawyer to prepare, guide, and represent you throughout the parole hearing process. Central Texas lawyer Jason Katims will stand with you every step of the way. Call us today at 512-900-9769 to schedule your initial consultation.
Call us today at 512-900-9769 to schedule your initial consultation.
What to Expect
In Texas, inmates who are under consideration for parole must undergo a parole hearing in front of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Parole is designed to help offenders reintegrate into society by serving a portion of their sentence under strict guidance in the community. The parole board determines whether the inmate is ready for this step.
Your parole hearing is your opportunity to explain why you are ready to reintegrate into society. You will have just a short time in front of the parole board, so it is important to make every moment count. Preparing with an experienced parole attorney is essential to improving your chances of being granted parole.
Parole Letter
Your first step is to write a parole application letter to the parole board. It should briefly describe the offense for which you are serving time, as well as any previous offenses, and explain what you learned from your experiences. Focus on how you have improved yourself since, including any achievements you have made while in prison and your plans for education and employment if you are granted parole. Explain the future challenges you expect to face and the skills you will use to overcome them.
Remain serious and respectful, and take responsibility for your actions. Be careful not to minimize your offense or to sound defensive in any way. Instead, acknowledge and accept your past actions while presenting a strong case for a successful and law-abiding future.
You can also ask others in the community to write letters on your behalf. Prison staff, clergy members, counselors, relatives, and past or potential employers may be able to make a compelling argument that you no longer need to be incarcerated.
Parole Hearing
Depending on the circumstances of your case and the parole board’s preferences, you may or may not be invited to your parole hearing. If you are, then you will be interviewed by the parole board. Your parole attorney will help you prepare for the questions you might be asked. In general, remain calm and respectful and restate the case you made in your parole letter. Take responsibility for your offense, explain how you have learned and grown, and talk about your plans for building a new and law-abiding life.
Victims and their families sometimes attend parole hearings. They have the right to state their case for why you should or should not be granted parole. Although it can be upsetting to hear their opinions of you, especially if you feel like you have changed since the offense, it is important to remain quiet and let them speak.
A parole hearing can be extremely intimidating, and every action you take will be scrutinized. Therefore, it is important to engage a skilled parole attorney to prepare you, guide you, and represent you throughout the entire process.
About Jason Katims, Attorney at Law
Born and raised in Texas, Jason Katims is committed to personal freedom.
In 2018, he was recognized by the American Institute of Legal Advocates as a Rising Star in the field of Criminal Law, and by the Association of American Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 40 Under 40. In 2017, the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys recognized him as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does parole work in Texas?
Parole in Texas allows certain inmates to be released from prison before their sentence is complete. Not all inmates are eligible for parole and if parolees violate conditions of parole, they will return to prison. Eligibility for parole depends on the type of crime committed, how long ago it occurred, and the conduct of the inmate.
What are the rules of parole?
The most basic rules of parole are to maintain a residence and job, avoid criminal activity, drugs, and alcohol, not contact victims, and to stay within a certain geographic area unless travel permission is granted from the parole officer. Regular meetings with the parole officer are another condition of parole; the parole officer may also make unannounced visits to a parolees residence to ensure that all conditions are being met.
Can you travel while on parole in Texas?
Parolees released after July 1987 have no travel restrictions within the state of Texas. For travel outside of Texas, permission is needed from a parole officer. Out-of-state travel is only allowed when necessary and when parolees meet all of the conditions of their parole.
What happens after parole is granted in Texas?
If parole is granted, the parole board will decide what kinds of conditions to put on it. These may include completing a rehab program or registering as a sex offender. The terms of parole are outlined in the parolee’s release plan. If a parolee fails to meet these terms, their parole may be revoked; in Texas, this can occur for even minor violations.
How long does parole review take in Texas?
The process starts six months prior to an inmate’s first initial parole eligibility date and four months prior to any subsequent review dates. At this time, the Parole Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will pull the case file for review and send notice to trial officials, victims, and victims’ family members. The file is sent for a vote by the Parole Board and the inmate is notified of the decision. Once the parole voters receive the case file, it typically takes up to a week for the vote and if parole is granted, there is a one to three week wait for the release certificate.
Can I get off parole early in Texas?
Parolees may be released from parole supervision early if parole conditions are being met, there are no violations, and the parole officer recommends it.
How do I check parole status in Texas?
To check parole status in Texas, contact the Board of Pardons and Paroles status line at 844-512-0461 and have the offender’s name, TDCJ-CID number and/or date of birth available before calling. The TDCJ Offender Search/Parole Review Information website can also be used to obtain this information.
Should I hire an attorney for a parole hearing?
A skilled attorney with experience in parole hearings can be an asset to any inmate seeking parole. While you may not be invited to attend your parole hearing, an attorney can still help you prepare your case, draft a parole application letter, and know what to expect from the process.
For more information schedule an initial consultation
Client Feedback
