Frequently Asked Questions

Parole in Texas Release and Supervision

Q:What happens first in the process?

A: Several months before an offender's parole eligibility review date, he or she is interviewed by an institutional parole officer. The parole officer prepares a case summary which includes the facts of the offender's offense; other relevant information such as assaultive behavior or the use of narcotics; personal history; assignments, adjustment, and disciplinary record while in prison; physical and mental condition; and a summary of positive and negative factors.

Q: What is a release plan?

A: A parole or mandatory release plan includes: (1) the name, address, and phone number of the person with whom an offender plans to live; (2) prospective employment, if possible, including pertinent names, addresses, and phone numbers; and (3) other plans such as treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. The offender should provide this information when interviewed by the parole officer and should tell the parole officer about any changes in the plan that occur after the interview. The plan must be verified by a district parole officer before the offender can be released. Section 508.181 of the Texas Government Code states in part that a parole panel shall require as a condition of parole or mandatory supervision that an offender reside (1) in the county where the offender resided at the time of committing his or her offense or (2) in the county where the offender committed his or her offense if the offender was not a resident of the state at the time of committing the offense. In addition, a parole panel may require the offender to reside in a county other than the official county of residence to: (1) protect the life and safety of a victim of the offense, the offender, a witness in a the case or any other person, or (2) increase the likelihood of the offender’s successful completion of parole or mandatory supervision.

Q: Who makes the decision to grant parole?

A: As the offender's parole eligibility review date approaches, the offender's case is reviewed by a Board parole panel. The offender may be interviewed by one of the members of this panel before the panel votes. For most offenders, the panel will consist of three members of the Board, and two of the three panelists must vote for parole before it can be granted. A few categories of offenders may be paroled only upon a two-thirds majority vote of the entire 18-member Board.

Q: What do decision-makers consider before granting parole?

A: Parole panel members look at the circumstances and seriousness of the offense; prior prison commitments; relevant input from victims, family members, and trial officials; adjustment and attitude in prison; the offender's release plan; and factors such as alcohol or drug use, violent or assaultive behavior, deviant sexual behavior, use of a weapon in an offense, institutional adjustment, and emotional stability. Based on the entirety of the available information, the parole panel then determines whether the offender deserves the privilege of parole.

Q: What can an offender do to prepare a good release plan?

A: An offender should call upon family, friends, and relatives to help arrange for a job, a place to live, a means of transportation, and moral support. If the source of an offender's trouble is related to the environment to which the offender intends to return, he or she is advised to live elsewhere. If there are no resources in the community to help the offender, the Parole Division's Specialized Programs Section can assist in making a halfway house placement. In this case, the offender should contact an institutional parole officer for assistance. Offenders whose crimes were alcohol-or-drug related should look for a location where counseling is available for those problems. Offenders can expedite their job searches by acquiring birth certificates and social security numbers before they are released.

Q: Does an offender need the services of an attorney or a "parole consultant" in order to be released to parole?

A: No, it is not required. However, offenders have the right to employ attorneys if they so desire. State law stipulates that anyone receiving a fee for representation of an offender must be a licensed attorney.

Q: What can family members do to help an offender gain parole?

A: Offenders' behavior and accomplishments in prison are factors that are considered in all parole decisions. Family members should encourage offenders to maintain a clear conduct record and to participate in the educational, vocational, and character development programs offered at the prison. Also, in many instances the offender must rely on family or friends in arranging a suitable parole plan, which includes a job and a place to live.
 

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