Senate Bill 45 (SB 45) cases are certain specific crimes that require a special vote by the voting members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Offenders who are incarcerated for a 21.11(a)(1), 21.11 conviction, or offenders who must serve 35 years before they are eligible for parole, are selected by the Parole Board differently from other offenders.
If you have a DWI charge, you don’t just have to worry about the charges against you.
You also have to worry about your driver’s license. DWI attorneys are well versed in preventing your license from being suspended. You will have a DMV hearing where you will need an attorney to give you the best chance of not having your license suspended. That way, while your case continues, you can still have the semblance of normal life.
Order of the Prosecution
There is a lot of pressure on you to admit your guilt before the trial. The prosecution will try to get you to accept a deal that they present as best for you. Having a DWI attorney conducting the negotiations can prevent you from reaching an agreement in a weak case. Your attorney will be able to identify the weaknesses of the prosecution in the case. They may be able to give you a better offer or even dismiss your case based on the evidence. Your lawyer may even reduce your fees. Negotiations are at the heart of your case, and having a DWI attorney who knows the details can save you a lot of trouble.
Understanding the Parole Process: Factors the Board Considers
Once you are ready for parole, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles will begin compiling a file detailing your crime and your describes specific circumstances. The parole board’s first impression of you comes from your file, which contains information such as victim statements, prison violations, and any data collected during interviews at the facility.
The parole board members carefully review each case, but they don’t have much time on each case. There are certain factors that will affect your final decision, including:
Good time credit and custody classification
Each offender is assigned a line class and custody classification. Line Class corresponds to Gain Time Status.3 For example, most offenders arrive at TDCJ as Line Class 1. With good behavior, they can be promoted to different administrative levels (SAT II-IV). If they misbehave, they will be reduced to class 2 or 3.