I just got a date of March 1 for a interview with the BPP. I'm soooo scared. I feel like my sons whole future depends on this interview. Can anyone tell me what to expect or what to say? I'll be meeting with Lynn Ruzicka in Angleton. I'm really nervous but maybe my son won't be just a file to them.

When I had my interview, I did all the talking. I was not asked any questions. So for an hour I talked. It was nerve racking to say the least. I wish I knew what the magic words were, but I really don't think there are any. Be honest. Explain the living arrangements that have been made. Expland on what your/your son's plan will be when he comes home. Job, finances, what is his plan to stay out of trouble. What kind of support will he have.

Practice practice practice in front of a mirror, with a friend or the dog but practice. Go in confident, polite and do the best you can.

I felt like the decision had already been made and I wasted not only my time but their time too. I have heard stories that were wonderful, but I've heard stories like mine. I believe it depends on what side of the bed they wake up on. Just do the best you can and God will handle the rest.

Good luck to you, my thoughts will be with you.

There is more to these cases than simply discussing plans moving forward. There is also an element of accountability for the offense(s) and past criminal history that must occur. All too often, Board members hear family members talk about how their loved one was done wrong in the courts...the Board is not there to re-litigate the offense. A conviction is a conviction and people don't go to prison for singing too loud on Sunday. Over the years, I had more than one convict (back in the days when the old-timers called themselves convicts) tell me that they didn't do everything that they were sentenced for, but they were involved in enough other stuff that they still would have been sent to TDCJ.

If it is a case with a victim, try and diffuse concerns that might come about in the way of a protest. Even better is if there is a victim that is willing to provide a letter expressly stating that they have no objection to a release to parole supervision.

If there has been disciplinary history during the present incarceration, the issue of accountability comes back into play. While there may be some bad CO's out there and there may be some cases that were the subject of a CO instigating something, it takes two to tango.

The absolute worst thing someone can say to a Board member is "My [insert loved one's name] does not belong in prison." Although the Board member may not say so, the first thing that will cross their mind is "The Court sure believed that s/he belongs in prison or else they would not have imposed a sentence of incarceration."

On an in-person appointment, you must look at the case in the same manner as I have previously suggested letters of support be considered...would whatever you say convince you to vote in favor of release if you were on the other side of the decision-making desk?

There are a number of issues that could also come up or be addressed that are case specific. It is this sort of risk-analysis and presentation of significant factors that most people (and even most attorneys) do not delve into.

Thanks willow - an hour ? and no questions asked???? That worries me even more. How long ago did you do this?

I know it's a risk but I've got to try. My son has been in 15 mos on a 12 yr drug charge he has managed to stay out of trouble and is currently a trustee. He is the 1st one to say he's is to blame for where he's at today. I have seen some positive changes in him.

His future in regards to parole depends upon risk factors & what's in his record, not what you tell the board.
Even if you say "the absolute worst" (i.e. "he doesn't belong in prison"), they're not going to deny parole based on your statement.
You did the right thing by asking for advice....now take a deep breath, it will be ok, you WILL NOT hurt his chance for a good decision.

[QUOTE=phyllis]I I'm soooo scared. I feel like my sons whole future depends on this interview. QUOTE]

All the best with this.. Believe in yourself and you will be a creator of your destiny....
Dont let the system sxared you. Be proud and focus on the positives that you have seen in the changes of your son...
God Bless
Witty

My interview was on the phone, not in person. It started off rough, as I too, felt the decision had already been made. There are no magic words, and it takes REALLY listening to what the interviewer says (questions asked etc) as to KNOW where to take the conversation. I explained some details of Skip's case and talked about his plans moving forward. The board member I talked to seemed to soften over the period of the call, and I think one of the best things I said to her was "it doesn't matter what stipulations are imposed, if he's home, we can/will work with it, and have a successful parole."

I saw this as not really an opportunity to re-hash the entire matter, but an chance to make Skip more than "just another number" to the board. It was a chance to get someone to open the file, read the letters, and see the support the offender has. It's been mentioned before, the boards hear from fewer people than we think, and I feel you have to "put a face with a name" so to speak. Keep in mind, board members review hundreds/thousands of files. Be honest, genuine and sincere. Don't tell them what they already know....or what you think they want to hear. Tell them from your heart.

kath