How long before someone is eligible for parole?
– JG, Texas
Answer:
First, there is no parole for state jail felonies or federal crimes. For state jail felonies committed after 1 September, 2011, it is possible to get up to a 20% reduction in the sentence. To qualify for the reduction the inmate must sign up and complete some type of program (usually drug treatment) while in the state jail. It is then up to the judge to grant or deny the reduction. For non-aggravated non-state jail felonies, generally an inmate will serve about one fourth of their sentence. Just because someone is eligible for parole, doesn’t mean they will be granted parole. For aggravated felonies, the inmate must serve one half or two years of their sentence day for day, whichever is greater. This means that inmates sentenced to 4 years or less must serve 2 years. For sentences longer than 4 years, they must serve one half. Given the difference in time someone might have to serve I always try to arrange for my clients to receive nonaggravated sentences.
Please contact me with any parole revocation questions.
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