Parole Hearings in Baltimore
Nathans & Ripke LLP, has successfully represented many people who are incarcerated through parole proceedings before the Maryland Parole Commission. The firm also consults with other lawyers on how the parole process works, and when possible, how to craft their client’s count of conviction, or sentence, in order to maximize opportunities for early release and more favorable parole consideration.
The Maryland Parole Process.
The following is a brief description of the parole process in Maryland that may assist potential clients searching for legal representation:
Determining when you will be eligible for parole.
While every case and every person is different, persons convicted of crimes in Maryland that exceed six months are generally eligible for possible parole consideration. Most people are considered eligible for parole after serving 25% of a sentence for a non-violent crime, and 50% of a sentence for a violent crime. Different rules apply for persons serving life sentences, or people for whom prosecutors sought life without parole.
Contact Nathans & Ripke LLP today at (410) 783-0272!
Notice of the parole hearing is usually not far enough in advance to hire counsel.
Inmates receive advance notice they will have a parole hearing, but the notice is often very short, and potential clients do not have time to wait to hire counsel until after they receive notice. Inmates are not provided free lawyers, or appointed a public defender. Clients have almost universally reported not fully understanding what information they can collect and provide in advance of a parole hearing that could make a favorable decision more possible.
In most situations, clients are not allowed to have their lawyer present.
Inmates will almost always be placed in the position of having to answer questions during a formal hearing that could determine the fate of their parole without a lawyer present. Lawyers may communicate with the parole commission in writing, and may schedule individual meetings with commissioners at headquarters, but they are not allowed to be present during the overwhelming majority of hearings. Therefore, it becomes even more important to hire a lawyer in advance, so the lawyer can explain what the most common areas of inquiry are, what information parole commissioners want to see, and help their client be fully prepared in advance for their hearing.
Contact the Law Office of Nathans & Ripke LLP Today.
If you have a loved one who is facing a prison sentence, or know someone who is incarcerated and may have a parole hearing in the near future, it is important to have an experienced attorney provide effective legal counsel, especially when the outcome of the parole process could shave years off a period of incarceration.
For more information on how our lawyers can help you, contact Nathans & Ripke LLP today online or at (410) 783-0272.