As Maryland parole experts, we often get asked about the single most important factor in a successful parole hearing. While the are many different components of an effective parole packet, the ability to present a comprehensive and clearly written case is absolutely crucial.
A comprehensive parole packet will be well-organized, includes a good summary page, details out the inmates plans for work, living arrangements, and post-release treatment (if needed), plus letters from friends and family, plus some other elements.
There is one other thing not related to the assembly of a parole packet that is often over-looked…timing.
In short – don’t wait until the last month before a parole hearing to contact a Maryland parole consultant.
There may not be enough time to get all the information together and assemble a packet.
Recently, we were contacted by a potential client whose brother was found guilty on a murder charge that included a sentence of life imprisonment. It is coming up on 20 years that the inmate has been incarcerated in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services at an institution in Washington County – and was recently notified of an upcoming parole hearing next month.
The family reached out to discuss the process and costs of hiring a parole consultant to help navigate the process and assemble the parole packet.
However, the family didn’t know (how could they) of the timing it takes to secure the inmate’s base file from the prison. Getting access to an inmate’s file is the first step in understanding what has happened during time spent incarcerated and is critical to assembly of a parole packet.
The longer that someone has been incarcerated, the larger the file is. But regardless of the file size, the potential issue is that it can take 3-6 weeks (longer in some cases) to be able to secure the inmate’s base file from the prison. After the file is received, time is needed to review the file, determine the classes and productive work and rehabilitation efforts, create a written draft, secure letters from friends and family, and review/editing of the packet.
After everything is assembled, there is also time needed for printing and mailing. A parole packet should arrive at the Maryland Parole Commission a few weeks ahead of the actual parole hearing, allowing time for the commission to review the file in detail.
When friends or family wait until they know the hearing date timing can be an issue – in this case, considering that the family waited until they received a date to reach out for assistance and the parole hearing is scheduled within the next 4-5 weeks – meaning that, even if requested today, we may not be able to get the file from the until AFTER the date for the hearing, leaving no time to assemble the packet, much less mail the packet so that it arrives at the Maryland Parole Commission with enough time to be reviewed.
No matter how long someone has been incarcerated, it is never too early to start planning for parole – but typically a good time is 3-5 months prior to the time frame that an inmate would be eligible.
If you have a friend or family member who is currently incarcerated and eligible for parole in the coming months, don’t delay in contacting an experience Maryland parole consultant to understand the process and plan for success.
We are here to help walk clients through the process step-by-step. Contact us here for a free, no-obligation consultation.