Preparing for Parole

Helping Clients with Parole Packets and Planning

Parole vs. Probation: What's the Difference?

While similar in many ways, Parole and Probation do have differences. One of the main differences is that Probation is ordered by a Judge, while the Parole Commission makes a decision that someone should be released from incarceration early. Both may have a similar look and feel — including requirements to maintain employment, participate in drug or alcohol treatment, not get arrested, check in at regular days and times with a Parole & Probation Agent, etc. In Maryland, the Department of Parole & Probation oversees people who are on probation or parole.

An Overview of Parole in Maryland

In the state of Maryland, the Parole Commission (MPC) has the sole authority to grant parole release. The Commission is charged with deciding on a case-by-case basis whether incarcerated individuals serving sentences of six (6) months or more in state or local facility are suitable for parole (release) into the community and under what conditions. People released on parole are subject to supervision by the Division of Parole and Probation.

When determining whether an inmate is eligible for parole, the MPC looks at a number of factors.

Special Considerations for Young Offenders

For inmates who committed their crimes while younger than 18 years old, the Maryland Parole Commission will also consider whether the inmate has matured and rehabilitated themselves in the time since the crime was committed. When making this determination for young offenders, the Commission considers a number of mitigating factors.

These include the inmate’s age at the time of the offense, maturity level, whether they were influenced or pressured by others, their educational background and home environment at the time of the offense, their current character development, and additional factors that may be relevant.

Additionally, the Maryland Parole Commission will also look at things like the inmate’s prior criminal record, institutional behavior and program participation, vocational and educational training, attitude toward authority, history of substance use, emotional maturity and insight into their problems, reports and recommendations from various parties, employment plans and family stability, preparedness to assume responsibility, the circumstances of the crime, and any other information that may be relevant.

Risk assessment tools may be used to determine the risk an inmate poses to the community.

Parole Hearings – Things to Know

It is important to know that formal presentations by lawyers, family members, or other interested parties are not allowed at the hearing.

Hearing Procedure and Decisions

Hearings conducted by a parole commissioner or hearing examiner must be electronically recorded. The recording is generally destroyed 30 days after the hearing unless an appeal is made, in which case it’s destroyed after the appeal hearing. Recordings for inmates serving life sentences for crimes committed when they were younger than 18 years old are retained until the conclusion of their next parole hearing or the final disposition of any action seeking judicial review of the Commission’s decision, whichever is later.

The inmate’s classification counselor, or another institutional staff member with knowledge of the inmate, is generally required to attend hearings to provide any new information and answer questions.

Parole is only granted if recommended by a hearing examiner or acting hearing examiner and approved by a parole commissioner, or, as required by law, by the affirmative vote of at least two commissioners. If two commissioners are required to grant parole, and there is a lack of agreement, the case will be continued and heard by a third commissioner. The decision will be based on a majority vote.

At the end of the interview, the inmate is verbally informed of the hearing examiner’s recommendation, or, if the case was heard by commissioners, the decision. In addition, a written decision is prepared and served to the prisoner, with copies retained in the Commission’s and the prisoner’s files.

Granting Parole and Release

A parole decision is not effective until the parole order is presented to and accepted by the inmate. An inmate will be released on parole as soon as practicable after a favorable decision unless the Commission has set a later release date or an investigation into the inmate’s plan indicates a lack of support, potential unemployment, or lack of a satisfactory home plan. Prisoners cannot be released without an approved parole plan. In addition, the Commission may impose special conditions on release, as needed for the safety and welfare of the inmate or the public. These conditions must be achievable for the parolee with reasonable effort.

Behavior After Parole Is Granted (but before release)

An inmate’s release on a set date is conditional on their continued good behavior. The warden or superintendent of the facility is responsible for informing the Commission of any behavior that might warrant a re-evaluation of a set parole date. The message here is that, just because parole is granted, behavior and attitude are still critical.

Early Parole Hearings

The Commission may grant early parole hearings at its discretion. Sentencing judges, prosecuting attorneys, or inmates may write to the Commission to request an early parole hearing. Institutional personnel, with signatures from the warden or superintendent, or both, may also request early hearings in writing to the Commission. Wardens or superintendents, or both, can also recommend early parole hearings.

Preparing for Parole: Parole Packet Preparation

The time to start preparing for Parole is as soon as you are sentenced (or even before).

The parole board wants to see that you or your family member has used their time while incarcerated to be proactive. While not required, having an assembled and organized Parole Packet can be helpful in positioning you or your loved one in the best light and increase your chance for Parole. Your lawyer cannot speak or present at your parole hearing.

An experienced Maryland prison and parole consultant can (1) help to provide guidance on what to do from the moment you are incarcerated, (2) coordinate with your family and friends in preparation for parole, and (3) assemble and prepare your parole packet.

The 12 components of a parole packet

The basic components of a parole packet should include:

Introductory Letter to the Parole Board — outlines your request for parole, your understanding of the seriousness of your offense, and your acceptance of responsibility. Express remorse where there are victims, highlight positive changes made during incarceration (education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, spiritual development), and outline your parole plan including proposed residence and employment.
Parole Plan — detailed information about proposed living arrangements (names, addresses, contact info). Describe family/friend support systems or halfway house details. Outline employment plans including potential employers, job descriptions, and salary expectations.
Criminal History — acknowledge each conviction, provide a concise account of the offense and the sentence received. Focus on expressing remorse and demonstrating understanding of impact on victims. Discuss any substance abuse or mental health issues and steps taken to address them.
Disciplinary History — address any significant infractions during incarceration. Acknowledge responsibility, explain circumstances, highlight positive changes in behavior. Emphasize a period of good conduct.
Educational History — detail educational achievements both before and during incarceration. Describe degrees, certificates, or vocational training. Highlight specific skills that will support re-entry and employment.
Employment History — detail work experience, job titles, responsibilities, transferable skills. If limited, emphasize positive work ethic in prison jobs or programs. Express willingness to learn new skills.
Substance Abuse History — if a factor, provide honest account of addiction and recovery efforts. Discuss treatment programs and insights gained. Express commitment to continued sobriety.
Spiritual Development — share personal journey of spiritual growth during incarceration. Describe religious practices or moral development that have contributed to rehabilitation.
Goal Statements — short-term and long-term goals after release. Focus on achievable goals in employment, housing, education, relationships, and community involvement.
Penance Statement — express sincere desire to give back to the community. Detail specific plans to volunteer skills, time, or resources.
Support Letters — from family, friends, potential employers, and community members attesting to positive changes and providing support upon release.
Certificates and Awards — copies of certificates and awards earned during incarceration, demonstrating commitment to self-improvement.

All of the above components need to be assembled into a well-organized, easy-to-read document. The writing style should be clear and concise and include a cover page, table of contents, and page numbers.

The first step in the creation of a parole packet is to get a copy of the inmate’s file from the jail or prison. Depending how long someone has been incarcerated, this file can be a few pages or hundreds of pages. The file provides the detail about the inmate’s incarceration including positive (certificates received, educational courses completed, etc.) to negative situations (disciplinary actions, etc.). The longer the inmate has been incarcerated, the larger the file typically.

By carefully preparing your parole packet and addressing the factors considered by the Maryland Parole Commission, you can effectively demonstrate your readiness for release and increase your chances of a successful re-entry into society.

Contact Information for the Maryland Parole Commission

For More Information

If you have a loved one currently incarcerated in a Maryland jail or prison, our team can help with parole preparation.

We work with clients who have an upcoming parole hearing in a few months and clients who have just been sentenced and have months or years before a Parole opportunity.

Parole Packets