Having a loved one in prison can be devastating. You may feel alone in your fight to get him or her out from behind bars. Fortunately, you are not alone. Family members often turn to attorneys to help their loved ones seek parole or appeal their case to a higher court. At Bullard Firm, we help our clients do just that.
When it comes to parole, however, the decision to grant an early release from prison lies with the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Unlike a trial, where a defendant has an opportunity to present evidence and testify, parole decisions are typically made by weighing factors such as the severity of the crime committed, the individual’s criminal history, and time served.
How Can I Get My Loved One Parole?
If your loved one is serving a felony sentence in Georgia, he or she will be eligible for parole once a third of his or her sentence has been served. This date is known as the Parole Eligibility Date, or “PED”. Inmates will be eligible for PED, even if their case is on appeal. At a parole hearing, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles will determine a tentative parole month, or TMP, which provides a release date.
The Parole Board will review your loved ones file, which will include information from law enforcement, the prosecution, court officials, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and possibly victims. Unfortunately, neither you nor your loved one will be able to speak in front of the Parole Board.
Should I Hire A Parole Attorney To Help My Family Member?
Hiring an appellate lawyer is the most effective way to get your loved one out of prison. An experienced attorney can speak on behalf of your family member and present essential aspects of the inmate's life to the appeals board's attention.
The board's ultimate goal is to ensure that the prisoner in question is ready to re-enter society and has stability and proper support to prevent them from repeating similar crimes. While a lawyer is not required in order to be considered for parole, a lawyer can help your loved one by ensuring that accurate, up-to-date and positive information is included in his or her file to demonstrate that they are ready for re-entry.
What are the Benefits of Speaking with an Appellate Attorney?
The obvious advantage of working with appellate counsel is that they understand the parole process, know how the parole board works, and will be able represent you in a parole board hearing. The attorney will also highlight the improved behavior of your family member before the board in a well-written and presented manner. Moreover, they will investigate your loved one's case to determine the category of post-conviction relief for which they qualify.
Need a Georgia Appeals Attorney to Negotiate Your Loved One’s Release from Prison? We Can Help
If you want to get a loved one out of prison, it helps to hire a lawyer with experience representing clients on appeal and in front of the Georgia parole board. At The Bullard Firm, our Georgia appeals attorneys are ready to represent you in court to help your family members regain their freedom. Call us at (404) 954-0598 or fill out our online contact form to speak with our office today.
