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How much of your sentence do you have to serve in Mississippi?

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    Mississippi’s parole laws have undergone several changes in the 29 years since I began practicing law. When I started in October 1980, almost all prisoners were eligible for parole after serving 1/4 of their sentence. The Federal Bureau of Prisons also allowed parole. Sometime in the mid-1980s, the federal government abolished parole and instituted a system where an inmate could earn up to 15% of sentence time, but any person who went to prison had to serve at least 85% of the sentence imposed. Not long after the federal change, Mississippi also introduced the same change. Any person sentenced to imprisonment had to serve 85% of their sentence. This applied to even the smallest nonviolent crime.

    The changes that the Mississippi Legislature made were harsh. Very little attention has been paid to the human, emotional, or financial costs. This 85% rule lasted for years until the Department of Corrections petitioned the legislature for relief. The state prison was overflowing with ineligible parolees serving 85% of their sentences. People at the prison camp feel that probation was a useful tool because it gave inmates a reason to conform their behavior to the rules. In the early 80’s I had a conversation with the president of parole. He said about 80 percent of the people in state prison were there for nonviolent crimes and about half that number for crimes of about $1,000.00. It costs about $25,000.00 per year to cover the cost of incarceration. When you look at the cost of prison, it makes sense for us as a society to find other alternatives.

    “Just one important step”

    Today, Latino said, his organization is celebrating the changes in parole eligibility. He emphasized that this is an important step that should give hope to Mississippi residents. After that victory, he said, Empower Mississippi will soon begin renewed discussions with lawmakers about further reforms.

    In addition to changes to the state’s common offender laws, he said, the organization is studying successes in New Jersey and Texas to find solutions that encourage re-entry and reduce re-offending rates in Magnolia State.

    What is a probation violation?

    A parole violation is a felony that occurs when you violate the terms of your parole. Probation violation laws vary by state, but include ignoring, avoiding, denying, or violating the terms of your probation. Rules common to all states include reporting to probation officers, paying any necessary fines or remedial action, possession of illegal drugs and weapons, and being charged with other felonies.

    Examples of Mississippi probation rules:

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