Hi everyone...

First off I want to say Thank you to EVERYONE for the wonderful support you have provided over the last 2 months. 2 months has flown by (thank goodness) Its almost parole eligibility time... and I have some questions for anyone that can answer or help me with their own experiences please...
:confused:
Just a quick recap...
My bf was sentenced to 2 years less a day in provincial prison. They consider his offense a "violent" one because Robbery was one of the offenses. His day parole eligibility date is March 24th. He can submit his parole package on Feb 6th. His package is totally ready to go. We are just waiting for Feb 6th now.

So my questions...
1) Home inspection- have any of you ran into any problems in this portion? I know that the PO will be doing a home inspection for my house. I have a roommate. She is a good person with no criminal record but do they look down at having a roommate? Also do they contact the landlord for any reason? Will they ban alcohol from the house? Should I get rid of wine glasses, shooter glasses, martini glasses etc now before the visit?

2) Electronic monitoring... does anyone have any information on it?? I am wondering what the rules are. I know he can go to work and home but what about grocery shopping, programs, doctor's appointments etc? Is he allowed an hour for "errand running" or anything like that? Also how far can you go on the bracelet without it going off? (We have a very large backyard)

3) Parole meeting- Jay has asked his father and I to attend the hearing. Will I get an opportunity to speak? Should I prepare something or will they just read my support letter? Should I dress a certain way?

4) Should I have my 6 year old daughter write a letter? I have read posts where kids have written letters. My daughter always writes him letters. Should I include a letter from Jordynn (in her printing) for the parole hearing?

Thank you very much!!!

Tracy

First of all, congrats on the potential homecoming! I will keep my fingers crossed for you all and keep you in my prayers.

Second all I can offer you in response to your questions is what I personally have learned and my opinion.

Home Inspection:
I don't think they will look down on you having a roomate. They may question if she has a criminal record because he may not be able to associate with anyone with a record. Since she doesn't have one this is no problem. I can't see them contacting the landlord but I do not know this one. Depending on if his conviction had to do with alcohol or if he has an addiction to alcohol they may or may not do this. They can also just tell him on his parole stipulations not to drink alcohol but you may still be allowed to have it in your house. I think that probably depends on the P.O. and his crime. No I don't think you need to get rid of glasses etc used for drinking. Maybe don't have them prominentley displayed while the P.O. is there but I don't see any need to throw them away.

Electronic Monitoring:
I know they would allow a certain amount of time for programs,errands,church etc each week. I am not sure what the amount of time is it may depend on what/if he is in programs and how many. I am not sure onhow far he is allowed on the bracelet but just be sure to ask the P.O. or whoever makes the guidelines for the distance and state that you have a big backyard. Hopefully they will allow for that.

Parole Meeting:
I am under the impression that unless you are the victim or the offender you do not speak at the parole hearings. I understand that they will just read your letter. As for dress I would make it not too flashy, but don't look like your coming froma convent or you'll look like you're trying too hard lol. Maybe wear something like you would wear to a PTA meeting. The knowledge I have about the parole hearings is federal as well so it could be different for provincial. I tried looking on the internet for some info on Parole hearings in BC but I could not find anything that specifically said who can/cannot attend and who can/cannot speak. your best bet may be to get him to ask his Officer.
This is the link where I checked out the Parol Act to see if they said anything. Have a look for yourself !http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/list_statreg.htm#actsp

As for your daughter writing a letter, I don't think it can hurt as long as she really writes it herself in her own words. I'm not suggesting that you would coach her or anything but if the board thought it was a "phony" letter that could be not so good.


Again The best of luck to you guys and let us know how it goes!

Erin

There is also a thread that might offer some help called Preparing For Parole (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176459), it was written by a prisoner and is pretty extensive.
You sound very excited, keep us posted and I hope it leads to another loved one coming home !!