I keep hearing about going before a parole board. My son was sentenced to seven years. Will he get that opportunity? If so, when? What can I do to help? And I also hear that he will probably only serve half or less of his sentence. Will he then be paroled or will he just be released and his debt to society will be exhausted?

I know these may be stupid questions but not knowing or at least having an idea is the hardest ...

Jerry's, I can tell you from my experience (in California) that my friend must serve 85% with no good time or work time credits given to him (he's not eligible for them). If the law works the same with TDOC, than that would mean 5 years and 9 months on a 7 years sentence.

I just had a home interview for Stephen's parole (he got paroled on his first charges but has a new charge of 8 years) While he was here I decided to ask him a bunch of questions

I asked him how long they have to serve before they come up for parole--for non-aggraveated charges it is 25%...they also recieve a Mandatory out date--similiar to parole and that is usually about half of their sentence ..they can move this date up by getting line class changes and earning good time...alot depends on what his charges are...Stephen's Mandatory out date was this coming January and the PO said taht it could very well be that because of hte type of crime he is in for they just go ahead and let him out in January and have him serve the rest of his 8 years on parole...he says he has sen this happen (I have heard this from several peopel)..fvrom what I understand if they are released early for whatever the reason they must serve the remainder of their time on parole...:)...I am still looking or the info on shock probation for you.

You are a sweetheart, Amelia. I appreciate all that you do. And I hope that what you say applies to my son. I do not think his crime is aggravated. He was found guilty of "Robbery" it is a second degree felony. According to the judgment it is Texas penal code 29.2. But unlike your husband he will not go to state jail, he will go to the Institutional Division and I have no idea what determines where they go. I wish he could go to state jail because the Dominguez facility is only about five miles from my home. The best I can hope for is the one in Hondo but my priority lies in his safety so if he's safer in another and I have to drive further, that is ok. But I'm wondering if they consider the circumstances of the crime or do they just consider what you are found guilty of.??

I hope so much that your husband can serve the rest of his time on parole. I'm sure it won't be a picnic but at least he can be out of that place and home with you and your children. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you. And thank you so much for the PM the other day and I extend my apology for not getting back to you yet.

I so hope you are correct about 25%. That would really be great but I won't get my hopes up, he hasn't even been through the intake process yet and gotten his Mandatory date. But I'm sure that he will do whatever it takes to serve the least time allowed. He has been going to NA voluntarily since he's been in county jail and he'd really like to get help in that area while he is there.

Thanks again, Amelia. I love your positive attitude! :)

Stephen wasnt serving time for his state jail ofense when he was at Dominguez..they were housing the ID guys there until there was room for them elsewhere..so could be he goes there...let me know if he does cause Stephen will be going back there sometime soon (or so they say)....It is very good that he is getting help and being involved in all the programs he can helps very much I am not sure if Robbery is considered aggravated I dont thinkso though...I will see what I can find out later tonite......You are morethan welcome and just know that we are all here for you to help in any way we can...God is with him and he will be home soon!! Love ya!!

I looked it up and there are two "Robbery" charges.

One is "Robbery" penal code 29.2 - second degree felony (this is what my son was convicted of)

And the other is "Aggravated Robbery" penal code 29.3 - first degree felony.

It would be nice if he could spend his time here (Dominguez) but I think that just might be wishing for a little too much but you never know. Yes, my son shows a lot of remorse and regret for his crime and he takes complete responsibilty for it and he gave a sincere apology to his victim on the day of his plea bargain and he has paid all restitution. He just couldn't seem to send in his paperwork or stay away from drugs.. this is the reason he is where he is today but he does realize it and is serious about getting help.