Does anyone know if the Texas Parole board will allow family into the hearing? Or who I could contact to find out.

Also has anyone ever written letters of support? What kind of information should/shouldnt I include. Im sorry if I seem so clueless, I just dont know where to begin. I want to do anything and everything within my power to have my husband home next year. His parole review is coming up again in OCT/NOV of this year, and I want to get everything in on time and done....

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Lisa
____________________
Lisa:cuffs:James

Lisa,

You can petition the board for a personal or phone interview from the first voting member prior to them making the first vote. You have to figure out which board handles the unit your loved one is in, and write to THAT board and make the request.

We sent TONS of letters in for Skip's first review....employers, family, friends. I honestly can't say whether they read this stuff or not.....I feel like they didn't. We had info showing how Skip has a job, he has familial support, he will complete any/all requirements of the board etc. I think they saw DWI, and never opened the file....they just PINGED him with a DENY. They are looking for info on a game plan...where will James live, work etc. I've heard letters from churches or law enforcement workers carry the most weight.

FYI, in Texas you have about a 20-25% chance of making 1st parole.....50-60% chance for 2nd review. Obviously, the longer you are in...and case free, the better your chances are of coming home. They begin review usually 6 months before eligibility, so if James is elibible in October, you may want to check with the board...he may be under review now. Skip was ordered serve all to his October mandatory release date, and he's back under review as we speak.

http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/bpp/

Try this site for the different board offices/locations/contact info. If all else fails, contact the parole OMBUDSMAN office. Nancy Hees in this office is very helpful. 512-406-5401.

Let me know if I can help further!

kath

This info is something my hunny got from inside, I used this to write out my support letter, hope it helps.

SUPPORT LETTERS


The Board of Pardons and Paroles encourages prisoners to provide evidence of support for their release on parole. One important kind of support are letters from relatives, friends and respected members of the community. Many who care and want to help, will find the following helpful.

Ø SUPPORT LETTERS SHOW: (1) That somebody knows and cares about the offender; (2) That someone will help when he or she is released; (3) Testifies to the positive side of the offender, thus helping to balance the negative side which appears in the file.

Ø SUPPORT LETTERS SHOULD BE BRIEF AND NEAT: A one page, typed letter is more inviting to read than several hard-to-read, handwritten pages. A letter from a business or professional person should appear on letterhead stationary.

Ø SUPPORT LETTERS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (1) The relationship of the writer to the offender. (2) How long the writer has know him/her. (3) Why the writer believes that the offender will be a useful and law-abiding citizen if given the opportunity. (4) Improvements in the offenders attitude and behavior can be described as well as his/her efforts toward self-improvement. (5) The letter-writer who will be providing housing will give the address and phone number. Other kinds of help can include clothing, transportation, money, or employment. Also, the writer can offer to spend time with the parolee in positive and worth while activities and offer advice and encouragement.



SUPPORT LETTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO :
Board of Pardons and Paroles
P.O. Box 13401, Capital Station
Austin, Texas 78711


Letters must include the offenders name, TDCJ # and unit location. Letters may also be sent directly to members of the parole panel voting on the case, or to a specific person on the Parole Board. Letters will be placed in the offender’s file and will be read by members of the parole panel reviewing the case.

I have some samples Lisa but the above info is VERY helpful! Give me your email address and I'll send them to you.

were is your husband at ? e-mail me and i will help you my husband is coming home in 40-45 days from now 3rd time up for review and case free. the answer to your first questions you can call the board and speak with there sec/recp and asked to find out when the review is and 2 family members can go but they have to be on the visting list.also i made a packet for my husband and the board had the packet on file when he came up for review.

Originally posted by mrsharris
I have some samples Lisa but the above info is VERY helpful! Give me your email address and I'll send them to you.

mrsharris, can you sen me a sample as well send t Texazfun@aol.com pleaseeeeeee