Hi all, Somewhere along the line I came across something called a "Parole Packet" but now I have no idea where. Does anyone have any information on this. Also, how much are the odds boosted if one hires an attorney for this purpose. This will be the first time my Son will be up for parole, it's not till October but figured if I got started now, this would be a good way to keep my mind occupied.
Thank you for any information one might be able to provide.

I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but I'm sure someone will be able to help out

I don't know about the parole packet - I've heard it mentioned here before and am sure somebody can tell you. In my husband's case, I hired an attorney who only does parole hearings and was relatively inexpensive. It seemed to help a lot - at least it helped my husband's feelings. He argued my husband's case for release and mainly helped him with what not to say at the hearing. Wayne's parole was reinstated, but had it not been, at least we knew we had done everything possible to help. The attorney has also been a pretty good contact person when I wanted to find out what was going on.

Soraya and danielle, thank you for taking the time to reply. Perhaps someone else will know. I've been trying to "back track" to find where I saw it mentioned...LOL, like looking for a needle in a hay stack. The info is out there... take care.

Ms. Cheenna: 6/08/02
The Parole Packet that you asked is not a term that I have heard. Most prison systems has a social service office that has a criteria list that is prepared for the pardon and parole panel/board. The classifications officer inside his/her current facility and central office usually in the states capital city (ex. Alabama- Montgomery) has a file/jacket of the residents/inmate's accomplishments, misbehaviors, or any other information submitted on the person. You can call and make an appointment , might be as much as two months from request, for discussing your child's expectations for the board. One very important factor is the home /living arrangement/plan. Secondly, what kind of trade/education has been accomplished during incarceration? Third, Where will he/she work upon release? The first thing the board will look at upon touching the file is what kind of crime, the sentence, and has "enough" time been served. Some states require 1/3 of the sentence including "good time", but some states do not offer good time. [Good time- time earned for good to excellent behavior while being incarcerated.] A model plan would contain a letter from legitimate employers stating that he/she is aware of the person's conviction, willing to accept the person just the same without any regard toward the crime. A "solid" home plan that has taken into account all expenses verses total bring home income while providing a small quarterly contribution to a victim's restitution fund ( anything as low as $20/qtr to as much as is honestly feasible). This gesture initiates thought that the convicted is remorseful and is willing to repay something toward those he/she offended (even if no victim was involved in any way). A place worth seeking for employment is a factory that hires ex-felons and/or handicap ( Employers that hire the handicap have made special arrangements for their comfort . They are also more relaxed toward trusting an ex-felon. The lay person is most times scared of releasees upon initial introdution due lack of knowing that good people exist in prison.) Thirdly, a good plan would contain support groups that state in writing their awareness of the person's offense and their willingness of acceptance and assistance toward life's stressors and crisis. ( This shows thought toward a "back-up" plan in the time of crisis.) Lastly, a layout of family and neighborhood support stating all "axes" are buried and assistance will be available. A pastor's guiding words can bear emphasis on the board if the pastor has a personal account of the individual's past good behaviors and offers future guiding supervision. ( This indicates that someone other than "the System" will keep tabs on the releasee. Also christian guidance supports keeping the driver between the ditches when the road seems impassable.) The pastor can present his/her description in a resume style presentation. The board will be considering several people at on time and do not like being bogged with one person/decision nor reading long lenghthy documents; brief and to the point without wearing out the point. Be genuine with each document presented while offering ,each time, the words, " Should you have any questions or need more information, please contact me,_________, at address, current phone number, and available hours. A letter from the sentencing judge recognizing an appearance of positive change from the first review (in Court) to now along with his/her recommendation for another try for this person in society. These type documents show effort of proof that this person has tried presenting change and positive reentrance into society. Ex: I am going to the store, buy xyz, and I should return by ____ time. (not a very good example...sorry). Solid plans with direction, action, and results for improvement. [ A quick story: All the officers at a facility was campaining through Counselor's reports for a worthy person's release. The board read most of our reports and denied the release stating that he must be one more of a con artist for he had all the evening shift fooled into a good report. The point to this story: We did not give personal accounts of this man's behavior, the goods and the bads, so they thought we were fooled by him. We presented too much good information. He later was released, but not during that particular decision making timeframe.) Good , brief to the point, solid gameplan.
After your son is released , have him write the board a personal letter , twwo to three months later, thanking them for their good decision while giving an update of his progress. Have him write a personal letter to each person/ organization for their support with his release and/or denial including the social worker inside the preparing facility. ( This encourages more involvement for the next person trying for release. It also aids his being humbled toward being a asset to his community.) As a last resort, in your son's personal letter to the board, he should offer an alternative plan of possibly going to a work release or half-way house before being completely released.................. I hope this has been some assistance in preparing your son's file for presentation. Get an early start on your presentation because you are working on someone elses clock that may not work as fast as yours. .....A parting note the Board wants to relieve overcrowding by using the parole program, but they do not want the general public yelling, " You screwed up again by releasing another person whom is not ready for release." They are under close public scrutiny for each release. Another alternative offer for the Board is an out-of-state parole plan designed with the same format. Be sure to converse with his counselor at his facility for the final guidance. ( Their involvement really play a major emphasis on his being given an honest review with a possible release.) Tell him do not get discouraged, do not act out in anger in the event of a possible denial, but write a letter to the Board thanking them for just considering him . Good program reports in prison such passing substance abuse are pluses too. ..Good luck.....38 Special . :)

Thank you for all your thoughts "38". You have given me some valuable information and a place to start as well as "what to expect". I have noted your thoughts/suggestions to foreward to my Son as well. Again, thank you for your in depth response.

you are probably refering to a post i did in reference to a parole packet.. it is a great tool that you can get for free to se how a parole should be layed out and help to do it.. or you can hire an attorney to do it for you.. it's great..

here is that info. hope it helps...Paul A. Hampel (Attorney at Law)

1202 Hallmark, Ste 201, San Antonio, TX 78216
1-888-707-2765 OR 1-888-70-PAROLE Parole Representation for TDCJ Inmates throughout the Texas Prison System. In person interviews throughout the Texas prison system.

I am an attorney in Texas. For the last seven years I have represented TDCJ inmates seeking parole throughout the state. In my work, I regularly talk to all of the Parole Board members in Texas and I go to all of the TDCJ prisons and visit prisoners throughout the year. I offer this list as support and as a free information source for people who care about TDCJ inmates. I intend this to be an informative support group, not an advertising vehicle. Family members, boyfriends, girlfriends, ex-cons, ect are all welcome.


Search words- Parole, Texas Law, Texas Criminal Law. Pardons and Parole TDC Department of Corrections Penitentiary convict inmate prisoner bars statutes visitation rules parole packets manuels guides tips advice

Ms. Cheenna:
Your welcome anytime. Good luck with your son's parole. Check out the parole representative, he may be the ace to fill your hand..............38 Special.................:)

Hello Everyone,
This is my first time to sign on to Prison Talk.
I do know in Texas there is a Parole Packet, I have a copy of it. It is forms you fill out in support of parole for a inmate. I have a loved one in Huntsville (Ellis 1 Unit). I do not know how I came up with the Parole Packet but they do exist. My loved one was seen by the parole board on Jan. 30, 2003. We now have to wait for a reply. This is his second time to come up for parole. The first time they gave him a 1 year set-off date. Please say a prayer for Allie that he will be released.
He was sentenced to 10 years for DWI in 2000. Thanks for listening.

Janice
JaniceG260@aol.com

A BIG TEXAS WELCOME to PTO, LittleMizT!!!!!!!!
Glad you found the "family" and are comfortable enough to speak up. I look foreward to reading more and getting to know you.

CHEENNA'S, YOU GOT SOME GOOD INF. THAT LAWYER THAT SHORTIE IS TALKING ABOUT, I WENT TO HIS WEB SITE AND PRINTED OFF SOME FREE INF. GO TO WEB SITE--
LAWYERTEXASPAROLE.COM AND PRINT OUT FREE PAGES CALLED--UNIT INTERVIEW ADVICE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE,
RESULT POSSIBILITIES-- REASONS FOR RESULT THIS GIVES YOU SOME GOOD INF. I AM WORKING ON MY SONS PAROLE REVIEW NOW, WHEN YOU WRITE YOUR LETTER FOR SUPPORT FROM YOU, IT GIVES YOU SOME THINGS TO TELL ABOUT YOURSELF AND HUSBAND, THIS IS ALL FREE INF.
I DONT KNOW HOW LONG YOUR SON REC;D BUT THAT HAS A LOT TO DO WITH GETTING PAROLED, THEY USUALLY TURN YOU DOWN THE FIRST TIME AROUND, DON'T INTEND TO DISCOURGE YOU, BUT IT IS BEST TO THINK POSITIVE BUT NOT TO GET YOUR HOPES TOO HIGH, IT IS A VERY BIG LET DOWN, I HAVE BEEN THERE 2 TIMES WITH MY SON, BEING DENIED, HE GOT 5 YEARS FOR A DWI, HE HAS SERVED 2 YRS AND 8 MONTHS, SO GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SON, KEEP US POSTED. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Not sure how my "BIG TEXAS WELCOMME" to LittleMizT ended up in this column but it is genuinely sinsere regardless.

JANICEG260... first, A BIG TEXXAS WELCOME to you as well. And you've got it for the prayers fromm me. Also, sadly, you are in for a wait on the response fromm the board. Marcus, my son, was reviewed in Oct, 02, it hasn't been to long ago since he heard back from them. with good news! Of course, for us, part of the delay was due to the holidays but from what I've heard, the board never gets in a hurry. It's hard waiting, I know, but just stay positive and the time will pass quickly.

IRIS... thanks for the info but as you've read above, we made parole!! HORRAY!!!!!!!!...

THANKS AGAIN ALL, it really means soooo much to have the support here.

Hi Everyone,

Congrats Cheenna on your son making parole. I know we have a long wait to hear from the parole board, they said it would take about 3 months b/4 we got a answer. Maybe the time will go by in a hurry. Crossing finger's and toes.

Iris- I tired to scan and e-mail you the parole packet I have, it looked awful. I am putting it in the mail tomorrow (2/19/03). I hope it helps.

Thanks
Janice