strongernow
03-31-2004, 11:58 AM
this information is from the State Board of Pardons and Parole Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2003 regarding Clemency.
CLEMENCY
Parole Decision Guidelines
Since 1979 the Parole Board has reviewed non-life sentence
cases under Parole Decision Guidelines, one of the country’s
first standardized methods of predicting success on parole.
A Board hearing examiner reviews the inmate’s file and
extracts specific factors such as educational level and prior
criminal history. Using a grid, the examiner then links the risk
factor score with the appropriate crime-severity level, from
level one incorporating such offenses as shoplifting, to level
seven, which includes crimes such as kidnapping or armed
robbery. The cross reference grid reveals the typical prison
time, including the maximum, served by other offenders with
similar offenses and risk factors. Board members may agree
with the recommended time or, as they consider the unique
factors in the case, may reduce or extend it.
Board members do not apply Parole Decision Guidelines
to life-sentence offenders, whose suitability for parole is dictated
by the nature of their crime. The offense severity may
preclude any eventual release despite stellar prison conduct,
remarkable family support, or other factors which might tip
the scales favorably for offenders with lesser crimes.
Routinely, the Parole Decision Guidelines system is revised
to reflect new legislation and sentencing and clemency practices.
Periodically, all Guidelines components are thoroughly
reevaluated to assess continued reliability. This process is
currently underway and will be completed during FY04.
Parole Decisions
In Georgia no prison inmate is entitled to parole. Most, however, are eligible for parole at a certain point in their prison sentence, usually one-third, and are entitled to a parole consideration. A favorable parole decision results in the Board establishing a “tentative parole month” (TPM) for the inmate, contingent on progress reports and other information received during the intervening months or years. Parole may be withdrawn by the Board at
any time prior to the scheduled prison release date.
CLEMENCY
Parole Decision Guidelines
Since 1979 the Parole Board has reviewed non-life sentence
cases under Parole Decision Guidelines, one of the country’s
first standardized methods of predicting success on parole.
A Board hearing examiner reviews the inmate’s file and
extracts specific factors such as educational level and prior
criminal history. Using a grid, the examiner then links the risk
factor score with the appropriate crime-severity level, from
level one incorporating such offenses as shoplifting, to level
seven, which includes crimes such as kidnapping or armed
robbery. The cross reference grid reveals the typical prison
time, including the maximum, served by other offenders with
similar offenses and risk factors. Board members may agree
with the recommended time or, as they consider the unique
factors in the case, may reduce or extend it.
Board members do not apply Parole Decision Guidelines
to life-sentence offenders, whose suitability for parole is dictated
by the nature of their crime. The offense severity may
preclude any eventual release despite stellar prison conduct,
remarkable family support, or other factors which might tip
the scales favorably for offenders with lesser crimes.
Routinely, the Parole Decision Guidelines system is revised
to reflect new legislation and sentencing and clemency practices.
Periodically, all Guidelines components are thoroughly
reevaluated to assess continued reliability. This process is
currently underway and will be completed during FY04.
Parole Decisions
In Georgia no prison inmate is entitled to parole. Most, however, are eligible for parole at a certain point in their prison sentence, usually one-third, and are entitled to a parole consideration. A favorable parole decision results in the Board establishing a “tentative parole month” (TPM) for the inmate, contingent on progress reports and other information received during the intervening months or years. Parole may be withdrawn by the Board at
any time prior to the scheduled prison release date.