My son is serving a 5 year sentence for burgulary of a habitat. He is a first time offender. He has been in the county jail for 6 months and was just sent to the Gurney Unit in Palestine, Texas a few days ago. I called the toll free number for a parole date, it gave me June 11 2002. I would like to know if a person is ever released on their first parole hearing? The crime was a non violent one, and he is classified as a minimum security risk. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance...Odiesmom

Hello! Well, I have been asking those same questions, and so has Monty! We have both found out that inmates like Odie and Monty are paroled very often. Every case is different, but if Odie stays out of trouble, his chances are very good. We all just have to show the parole board that he has a loving, strong family to come home to. I'll tell Monty to tell Odie everything he knows about it! But Odie needs to get involved in a lot of positive things...do something good with the time he is in there, work hard, and do what they say to do. He won't have any problems! Since his date is not very far away, get started on support letters and a positive parole packet. I'll help you in any way I can!

The positive letters on Wayne's behalf were really helpful in his parole hearing. It also included a home and job plan, the first questions they seemed to ask. He was reinstated, but is still waiting on paperwork to go through. I also hired a lawyer to represent him at his hearing, which helped him with what to say and when to shut up. Wayne likes to try and explain everything and has been known to dig a deeper hole. The lawyer he used only does parole hearings and was very reasonable. Good luck and let us know.

Thanks so much for the advice, from what I am gathering the letters need to be from people other than family members.I assume family members may also write, but that the more people outside of the family would be better, right? I've also heard that the paperwork is also a holdup, as seems to be in your case. Once again thanks for the input....Carla

Wayne had letters from his employer (who is holding his job), my family, his family, me, and I also got his future PO to write one as well as two local cops who know him and like him. The lettes were along the lines of "we will take a special interest in him once he returns home." I wrote a letter, took it to them, and ask them to write something similar. They took there letters from the one I had written. Just a suggestion, but it's worth a shot.

One other thing - all letters were notarized. Don't know if it helps, but at least the parole board knows they're authentic.

A PETITION IS GOOD TOO. HE STANDS A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF GETTING PAROLE ON THE FIRST TIME....

IF YOU DO A PETITION, INSURE YOU HAVE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS..... START WITH AT LEAST 50 PEOPLE AND MORE IF POSSIBLE...

GOOD LUCK!
DONNA

for online petitions

www.petitions.com

CARAL- GOOD LUCK-LET US KNOW ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP

CARLA- GOOD LUCK-LET US KNOW ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP

I just wanted to take a minute to say a HUGE thank you to all of you that have replied to my post! I'm sure that I don't have to tell ya'll how hard it's been to get information from the judicial system, and local authorities. Anyway I just wanted to tell you all that the information I have gotten from you all has given me a starting place. I'm sure I will be back with more questions,as I am finding out that there is indeed alot to learn!! I thank you, and Odie thanks you =0)