Many inmates request parole but are denied, leaving them to wonder how many times they can be considered for early release.
The term ‘parole’ refers to a discretionary release from prison. The majority of inmates in Texas are eligible for parole at some point before they have served their full sentence. After a prisoner is released on parole, they are placed on community supervision. If someone violates the terms of their parole, they can be sent back to prison. It can be discouraging for prisoners to request parole only to be denied. Fortunately, there are no caps on the number of times inmates can request parole.
Parole Eligibility
Most prisoners who have been convicted of a crime are eligible for parole at some point during their sentence. Eligibility for parole in Texas depends on the offense a person was convicted of committing. There are some types of convictions that are not eligible for parole. These are as follows:
- Any conviction resulting in a death penalty sentence
- Any conviction resulting in a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole
- Convictions for continuous sexual abuse of a minor
Any conviction other than those above is typically eligible for parole. However, serious offenses often have delayed parole eligibility, meaning inmates must serve more of their sentence in prison.
When are Prisoners Eligible for Parole?
Prisoners are eligible for parole depending on the offense they were convicted of. In most cases, inmates become eligible for parole when the time they have served plus good behavior equals 25 percent of their prison sentence or 15 years. Convictions for 3G offenses change eligibility for parole. 3G offenses in Texas are as follows:
- Aggravated robbery
- Sexual assault on a child
- Intoxicated manslaughter
- Murder
Individuals convicted of a 3G offense are eligible for parole after they are served a minimum of two years in prison. They must serve at least half of their prison sentence, and they do not receive credits for good behavior.
Prisoners convicted of capital murder must serve 40 years in prison before they are eligible for parole. Additionally, convictions of certain offenses are only eligible for parole after 35 years. These include:
- Burglary of a residence with the intention to commit a felony
- Aggravated kidnapping with the intention to commit sexual abuse
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Indecent contact with a child
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Travis County Can Help with Your Case
If you have been convicted of a crime and are wondering about your parole eligibility, our Travis County criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller, PC, can help. To be approved for parole, there must first be a hearing with the Texas parole board. You do not have the right to attend this hearing, but one of our experienced attorneys can attend it on your behalf and argue why parole should be granted. Call us now at (512) 474-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.