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Many people who are sent to jail for a crime are given the opportunity to get out on parole. This means that you will finish your sentence outside of prison walls, but you still must abide by certain terms set by the judge handling your case. Parole is an opportunity that many people in prison look forward to, and it is an opportunity that you should take advantage of if it becomes available to you. Proper preparation is important in order to have a successful parole hearing, so it is worth it to hire a good criminal defense attorney to guide you through the hearing. A good lawyer will improve your chances of being approved for parole and having good terms set. Here are a few things you should know about preparing for your parole hearing and what to expect after being paroled. Good Behavior The first, most important step in preparing for your parole hearing is to be a model prisoner while you're serving your time. Those who have a good record of behavior in prison are more likely to have the opportunity to get out on parole. Stay out of trouble and be sure to follow guards' instructions when they're given. Such behavior will reflect well on you when the time for your hearing comes. Proof of Reform Another thing to think about as you approach your hearing is how you can prove that you have been reformed during your time in prison. A judge is not likely to let you out on parole if he or she believes you haven't changed since committing the crime you were imprisoned for initially. Think about how the time you've served has changed you and how you can show that change to the judge during your hearing. You may want to consider writing down a statement that you can share during the hearing. This will help you to be more articulate and organized in your speech when the parole commission calls on you to speak (which is very likely to happen at some point during the hearing). Explain what you've done to be rehabilitated and become a better citizen. If the commission feels you are no longer a threat to society, you will likely be released from prison early. What to Expect After If you are approved for parole, you will be permitted to reenter society under restrictions set by the parole board. The restrictions you can expect may include, but are not limited to, the following: - Regular check-ins with a probation officer
- Finding and keeping a job
- Attending rehab or support groups
- Community service
Of course, you are also expected to be a law-abiding citizen throughout your parole period. Any engagement in criminal behavior can result in your parole being revoked; you will be sent back to prison to finish your sentence. However, if you adhere to the parole restrictions, you may be able to have your parole ended early. This will all be based on the opinion of your probation officer, who will monitor your progress and keep close tabs on you to ensure you are sticking to all of your parole requirements. That means you should treat this person with respect, as this officer has a large role in determining your future. If you or someone you love is approaching a parole hearing, contact a good criminal defense attorney. He or she will be able to give you more information on what to expect at the hearing and can help you increase your chances of receiving a favorable decision. Follow the advice closely; your attorney will have the experience and knowledge to guide you through this process.
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