Defendants considering a plea deal need to know how long they will actually serve before they are eligible for parole. A key component to understanding your parole eligibility calculation is the “Good Time Credits” awarded by the TDCJ. When calculating ballpark eligibility, family members sometimes rely on the rule of thumb that if the inmate is not in trouble, they are credited one day for each “calendar” day they serve (inmates usually refer to the calendar ). as “flat time”).
But the actual rules are more complicated. While you certainly don’t need to understand every nuance of the law, it’s important to have a general idea of how much good time you can earn (and take away) when planning for a post-prison future.
TDCJ: Important Terms You Should Know
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) exists “…to ensure public safety, to promote positive change in the behavior of criminals, criminals reintegrating into society and helping crime’s victims.” If you fall into any of these categories: whether you are a defendant, an accused, a convicted inmate, a crime victim, or a family member of any of these individuals, you will have questions about TDCJ and how it is is working. The following is a non-exhaustive list of important terms you may need to know as you become more familiar with TDCJ. If you need help with your case or have questions about TDCJ and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, please contact Contact the law firm of Cofer Luster, PC to speak with an experienced criminal justice attorney
What happens in the admissions units?
As soon as a perpetrator arrives at the reception unit, he is usually “off the radar” for three weeks.
Be prepared to tell your clients that the first three weeks in prison are often the worst. Criminals come to these units from all over the state. Some are there for nonviolent two-year sentences, others are serving life imprisonment for violent crimes.
During this initial period, no visits are allowed, no phone calls, no access to the police station. During this time, inmates are photographed, fingerprinted, and assigned a TDCJ number. All tattoos are documented and gang membership is questioned. Interns also receive medical examinations (doctor, dentist and psychologist). An IQ test is usually also carried out. Little to no programming will be available. During this time, offenders receive their line class and custody classification. An offender’s parole date is also calculated. Within 48 hours of arriving at a reception unit, an inmate will appear on the TDCJ website, showing their unit assignment and contact information.
What the prosecutor must prove
In order to convict the defendant of criminal conspiracy, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- the defendant entered into an agreement with one or more persons (conspirators) to commit the crime of which they are accused
- Defendant knew of the unlawful purpose of the agreement but entered into it voluntarily
- One of the conspirators intentionally committed at least one tort to further the purpose or aim of the conspiracy.