As of June 2019, the release of TDCJ inmates after parole has been granted has slowed significantly, based on interviews I’ve had with clients and TDCJ parole officers.
The slowdown appears to be mainly due to staff shortages at TDCJ. I hope the bottleneck isn’t permanent, but my sources seem skeptical that the issue will be fixed any time soon.
Credit Time
Regardless of classification, TDCJ can only grant good conduct time when an inmate is actively participating in an approved program. Agricultural, vocational, educational, or treatment programs qualify. If TDCJ determines that an inmate is unable to participate in the program, good time credit may still be earned. The availability of programs and efforts to earn credit for good conduct varies from unit to unit. So make sure your loved ones are using what they can.
Your loved ones can earn time for good behavior based on their classification. Each eligible occupant begins with a Line Class I time-gain classification. Inmates can then work up to a higher time-gain status (state-approved trustee); However, TDJC can also downgrade them to a lower line class status where they earn less or no time for good behavior.
Early Release Options
As repeated in each of our lessons, our team of prison professors encourage people to focus on getting the best possible outcome. Individuals will define the best possible outcome differently depending on the values and goals that drive them. However, every prisoner strives to return to society as soon as possible.
Although an individual’s attorney would be best placed to advise on the prospects of release through court proceedings, such as B. an appeal or a request for legal protection after the conviction. This lesson focuses on mechanisms for early release by the government executive rather than the judicial system. These mechanisms include:
You are NOT required to take any Texas standardized sobriety tests
Although the officer may pretend that you should take the tests, do not. If he asks you to get out of the vehicle, then you should get out of the car.
But once he tries to start the HGN (eye test) on you, you can (and should) politely decline the test. Notice what I said… Politely decline. Don’t be an idiot and rant about how you read this blog knowing these tests are useless and you refuse to take them. Remember that all of this is captured on audio and video; Audio and video that will be exhibit #1 in a trial if it goes that far. Just let the officer know you don’t want to take standardized sobriety tests.
Yes, you can (and probably will) be arrested if you refuse to take the FST. If the officer already felt they had enough evidence to manage the evidence, they will likely arrest you for DWI if you refuse to take it. But hey, you’d probably get arrested anyway. But now there will be less evidence against him. You have the absolute right not to testify against yourself. This fundamental right also applies in the context of DWI.
How long will an offender serve before being eligible for parole?
This is of course the most common question lawyers are asked when a client applies for a prison sentence. Basically, it depends on whether it is a serious or non-serious crime.
Serious crimes are found at 508.145 of the Texas Government Code. Included: