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Parole 101
The last step in a criminal case is just as important as the first step, which often involves the Board of Pardons and Parole.
The parole board determines when an incarcerated person may have a parole hearing and whether a person will be released from prison. In Utah, the parole board uses a guideline to make these determinations, but it may deviate from the guidelines on a case-by-case basis. This means that people with the same sentences for the same crimes can have different outcomes, notably in incarceration length.
Parole board determinations in Utah are final and cannot be appealed. Additionally, lawyers or other advocates for a parolee can only appear in particular circumstances. This limits a person’s ability to sufficiently represent themselves at a hearing and precludes challenging a seemingly unjust or inconsistent decision.
Fair parole hearings and consistent decisions are essential to respect a person’s rights and create successful outcomes for re-entry into the community.
The parole board determines when an incarcerated person may have a parole hearing and whether a person will be released from prison. In Utah, the parole board uses a guideline to make these determinations, but it may deviate from the guidelines on a case-by-case basis. This means that people with the same sentences for the same crimes can have different outcomes, notably in incarceration length.
Parole board determinations in Utah are final and cannot be appealed. Additionally, lawyers or other advocates for a parolee can only appear in particular circumstances. This limits a person’s ability to sufficiently represent themselves at a hearing and precludes challenging a seemingly unjust or inconsistent decision.
Fair parole hearings and consistent decisions are essential to respect a person’s rights and create successful outcomes for re-entry into the community.
Why Parole Reform?
Why Parole Reform?
We need parole reform so that people who have been rehabilitated can return to their families and communities. We need this reform now so that people can lead productive lives in the community instead of growing older and sicker in prison, losing opportunities for reentry, and living in limbo at the mercy of the parole board.