Question 1

What is the Parole Board?

Accepted Answer

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles decides which eligible offenders to release on parole or mandatory supervision, and under what conditions. The Parole Board is actually comprised of 7 offices throughout the state of Texas. The Parole Board offices votes on cases from prison units that are assigned to them. Each office has three voters comprised of 1 Board Member and 2 Parole Commissioners.

Question 2

Where are the Parole Boards located?

Accepted Answer

Amarillo
Angleton
Austin
Gatesville
Huntsville
Palestine
San Antonio

Question 3

How long before the Parole Eligibility Date should I hire an attorney?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, 6 to 12 months before a review date is preferred. This allows me plenty of time to schedule a visit with the offender, order records, schedule consulting experts (if necessary), and prepare the case for review. However, I have often prepared cases in less time that that.

Question 4

How soon can the Parole Board vote a case?

Accepted Answer

The Parole Board can vote a case up to 2 months early. It is for that reason that
getting an attorney earlier is preferred to get the case ready.

Question 5

If parole is denied, how long will the offender have to wait for a subsequent  review?"

Accepted Answer

In general, offenders are reviewed annually in the event their parole is denied. This is called a “set-off”.

However, offenders serving offenses under Texas Government Code 508.149 (a) or a second or third degree felony under Section 22.04 of the Penal Code can be set-off up to 5 years.

These offenses are:
 • Aggravated Assault, 1st or 2nd Degree
 • Aggravated Kidnapping, 1st or 2nd Degree
 • Aggravated Robbery, 1st Degree
 • Aggravated Sexual Assault, 1st Degree
 • Any Offense with an Affirmative Finding of a Deadly Weapon
 • Arson, 1st Degree
 • Burglary, 1st Degree
 • Capital Murder
 • Compelling Prostitution
 • Continuous Sex Abuse of a Young Child or Person
 • Indecency with a Child by Contact
 • Injury to a Child, Elderly or Disabled Individual
 • Murder, 1st or 2nd Degre
 • Robbery, 2nd Degree
 • Sexual Assault
 • Sexual Performance by a Child
 • Trafficking of Persons
A Felony Increased Under Health and Safety Code (Drug-Free Zones)
Offenders serving a sentence for an offense under 22.021 (Aggravated Sexual
Assault) or a life sentence for a capital felony can receive up to a 10 year set off.

Question 6

Do you really visit all of your clients in-person?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, I have never represented a client before the Parole Board that I did not meet with personally and conduct an interview.

Would you want your doctor to diagnose you over the phone? Of course not. I feel the same way about representing my clients. Personal interaction is vital to the attorney-client relationship.

Question 7

Do you really go to the Parole Board in-person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I request an in-person appointment with the lead voter on every case. I prefer to meet the voter in their office and present my client’s case. I find that face to face meetings allow for clearer communication. They also allow for deeper conversations, the ability to establish rapport, and usually result in greater exchanges of thoughts and ideas. There simply is no substitute to a face-to-face meeting.

Question 8

Does the offender get to meet the Parole Board?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, in most circumstances the voters do not meet with offenders prior to voting on their cases. For that reason, having an experienced attorney appear before the Board in person is crucial to explaining their side of the story and presenting a thoughtful and persuasive presentation on their behalf.

Question 9

Can a family member or friend come to the Parole Board meeting with you?

Accepted Answer

I encourage family members to accompany me to the hearing. A family member’s input and insight into an offender’s case can be quite compelling and beneficial to the presentation.

Question 10

What is a Blue Warrant and can I get post bond for it?

Accepted Answer

A Blue Warrant is a warrant that is issued to an offender on parole (or mandatory supervision) who is accused of violating one or more terms of their release. A Blue Warrant is a no-bail warrant, meaning that you cannot post a bond. There are very limited circumstances where a blue warrant can be lifted. If the offender is accused of a new criminal offense while on supervision, then there is no method to post bond on the blue warrant. The bond will remain in effect until the Parole Board issues a ruling after a Revocation Hearing.

Particularly for first-time offenders, the world of parole law can be confusing. The Levinson Law Firm is here to guide you through the process. To start with, here are some answers to common questions. Please feel free to contact me with additional questions you may have.