I would like to know if anyone has any information about visitation laws/rules/procedures for people that are on active parole. I have heard different stories but have yet to find anything in writing. I have 2 people I would like to visit, one is a relative and one is not. I have been out 3 years and have 2 years left to go on parole.

Thanks for any help.

Hi, Ralph.

You need to look at the special conditions imposed upon you by the Parole Board when you were released. They vary depending on the specifics of the case, and often include this provision:

"avoid association with persons of criminal background ("avoid association" shall mean that a person on release or mandatory supervision shall not associate with any person who is engaged in criminal conduct nor any person or group of persons whose specific association has been prohibited, by written instruction by a parole officer)"

If this condition applies to you, then it is up to your parole officer as to whether you can visit your friends on the inside.

For more information about the conditions of parole, see these links:

http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/publications/parole/parole_in_tx/pit-home.htm

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

Good luck! --Shannon

P.S. There is an organization called "Texas Association of X-Offenders" aka "TAX" who probably knows more about this particular issue than I do. You can find contact info for TAX chapters here:

http://www.xoffenders.org/Addresses.htm