Every state works a little differently when it comes to applying for parole. At TexasParoleNow.com we have written two different books that explain the different parts of the process.
Understanding the Texas Parole Process
TDCJ: Important Terms You Should Know
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) consists “…to ensure public safety, to promote positive change in offender behaviour, the reintegration of offenders into society and support for victims of crime”. If you fall into any of these categories: whether you are a defendant charged with a crime, an inmate convicted of a crime, a crime victim, or a family member of one of these individuals, you will have questions about TDCJ and what it is like is working.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of important terms you may need to know as you become familiar with TDCJ. If you need help with your case or have questions about the TDCJ and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, contact the law firm of Cofer Lustre, PC to speak with an experienced criminal justice attorney.
Discretionary Supervision Vote
Your dependent will receive a notification when the DMS review begins. The parole board may then defer the decision and request further information as part of its DMS review.
The DMS reconciliation options include: 1) DMS, meaning that release to the DMS will be denied and the inmate will be separated for review one year after the date of the panel’s decision; or 2) RMS, which stands for Release to DMS, and the occupant is scheduled for release on an expected or minimum expiration date. In particular, DMS rejection votes must contain two statements:
- 9D1: The record shows that the offender’s cumulative time of good behavior does not accurately reflect the offender’s rehabilitation potential.
- 9D2: The record indicates that releasing the perpetrator would endanger the public.
What is probation?
Probation is the voluntary release of an offender, by decision of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, to serve the remainder of a sentence in the community under supervision. THERE IS NO RIGHT TO PROBATION, IT IS A PRIVILEGE. There is no probationary interest on probation. I say this so often that lawyers and criminals contact me to find out when a criminal will be released. While there are factors to consider when assessing the likelihood of parole, there are no guarantees. Each case is decided for itself.
The parole review process begins 6 months prior to the Probation Eligibility Date (“PED”) for an initial review and 4 months prior to a subsequent review.
The review process is the mechanism by which an offender’s case is assembled and prepared for review by the parole board. Documents collected may include, but are not limited to, court documents, police reports, disciplinary cases, work orders, appointment and house plan reviews, etc.