If an inmate is eligible by law for a parole hearing, is he/she automatically granted parole release?
NO. Most inmates are denied parole release after their first application. • Q: Is an inmate given another opportunity to apply to the Board for Parole release? A: YES. After the first hearing the Board votes on a date when it will reconsider an inmate’s application for parole. Reconsideration hearings are usually set at 6, 12, 18, or 24-month intervals. • Q: Will the victim be notified again of the scheduled meeting? A: YES. The victim will again receive notification by mail and may again address the Board about the inmate’s possible parole release. • Q: How does the Board arrive at its decision? A: After reviewing the file materials, meeting with the victims, and then the inmate, the Board deliberates and votes whether to parole or deny parole according to a variety of criteria set by law. • Q: How does the victim and the inmate receive notice of the decision? A: The inmate is provided a written notice through his/her prison counselor. The victim receives a letter if parole is granted