DOES AN INMATE NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR THE PAROLE HEARING?
Inmates do not need to be represented at the initial parole hearing or at any reconsideration hearing. Many inmates do choose to have legal representation when they are uncomfortable speaking on their own behalf. Others choose to have legal representation because they believe that there are mitigating circumstances that an attorney could better explain to the Parole Board. Be advised that even if the inmate is represented by an attorney, the inmate will still have to answer questions from the Parole Board. While the Parole Board does allow attorneys to be present at hearings, the Board does not allow attorneys to speak for the inmate. The Parole Board wants to weigh the inmate’s insight and level of remorse and they will only be able to do so by hearing directly from the inmate. Having an attorney present does not provide the inmate with a better chance of getting a positive parole decision. If the inmate is granted parole but returns to the ACI as a parole violator, held on a detentio
