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What is a Parole Plan?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

A parole plan is a proposal that an inmate can submit to the parole board to help determine whether he can be released soon. It should detail what the inmate plans to do after release, including where he will stay, where he will work, and whether he will obtain counseling or drug treatment, if necessary. It is often put together by the inmate, though family members are encouraged to help, as well. A parole lawyer can also be hired for the task, though this is usually only recommended for cases in which the inmate has fairly low odds of being released on parole. In such cases, a superior parole plan may be necessary to convince the board to release the inmate.

When preparing a parole plan, it is important to understand that the more details there are, the better, as they may help persuade the parole board to release the inmate. For example, rather than just listing places where the inmate can live after release, it is helpful to add the names and contact information of the other people at the residence. Discussing their jobs, volunteer work, or other responsibilities may sway the parole board toward releasing the inmate if they believe that the relatives with whom he stays will be a good influence.

A parole plan may include conditions an offender must meet, including counseling.
A parole plan may include conditions an offender must meet, including counseling.

If the inmate has potential employment opportunities awaiting him upon release, it is important to list these in the parole plan. This is because the parole board expects the inmate to become a contributing member of society who will stay out of trouble after being released. The promise of a job may show that the inmate is responsible and plans to turn his life around for the better in the future, which is a crucial requirement for those released on parole. A quick history of the inmate's employment and education in the past should also help his case when appealing to the board at the parole hearing.

A parole plan might help a felon to reduce their sentence.
A parole plan might help a felon to reduce their sentence.

The typical parole plan is expected to contain a letter of remorse from the inmate, which will show that he is willing to continue his good behavior, and is determined to abide by the law. He should also mention his goals for both the short-term and the long-term, including personal, career, and educational objectives. Finally, one helpful component of a successful parole plan is at least a few letters from relatives and friends that discuss the inmate's positive qualities, as the point is to provide evidence that the inmate is ready to be released without a high chance of recidivism.

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    • A parole plan may include conditions an offender must meet, including counseling.
      By: Africa Studio
      A parole plan may include conditions an offender must meet, including counseling.
    • A parole plan might help a felon to reduce their sentence.
      By: ViewApart
      A parole plan might help a felon to reduce their sentence.
    • Parole plans may include tactics for finding employment following an inmate's release.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Parole plans may include tactics for finding employment following an inmate's release.