Parole in Texas

If you have a friend or loved one in a Texas prison, there may be a way to help.  Generally, there are only two avenues of legal help for an inmate once his appeal has been completed.  One is an application for writ of habeas corpus.  The other is parole.

Texas Parole Package

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles consists of 18 members around the State.  When an inmate is considered for parole, the Board will pull his file and send it to one of the three-member parole panels which covers the inmate's unit.  The board members will consider his file and vote whether to extend parole.  Therefore, to obtain parole it is necessary to persuade two Board members that the inmate will not likely commit another crime and will abide by conditions of parole.

Our Tyler, Texas law firm will prepare comprehensive parole packages for inmate clients.  We will prepare an informative package which will be placed in the client's parole file.  When the day for parole consideration arrives, the Parole Board members will review the package.  Mr. Volberding will attempt to speak by phone or in person with the first voting Board member.

We provide as much positive information as possible to encourage members to vote for parole.  We want to convince the Board that the inmate is not going to harm anyone if released.  We want to show that he will get a job, be responsible, and stay away from drugs and alcohol.

While it is not possible to obtain parole in every case, on average we obtain parole for two out of three inmate clients.

We charge a retainer of $2,500 to represent an inmate client before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, provided that the inmate is in one of the Tennessee Colony units, or within a two-hour drive of Tyler.  If the inmate is farther, then it will be necessary to charge for additional costs of travel.  Mr. Volberding will meet with the client at his prison unit and interview the client carefully about his circumstances and prepare a biographical summary for the Board, emphasizing the inmate's positive accomplishments and characteristics.

To prepare a successful parole package, the family should bring the following items to the law firm:

• Copies of the letters you have sent the Parole Board;
• Copies of any letters others have sent;
• A list of the names and addresses and phone numbers of past co-workers and employers;
• A list of the names and addresses and phone numbers of friends and family;
• Family photographs of marriage, celebrations, children, homes, and so forth B as many as possible, and any family albums;
• Photographs of children;
• Copy of the inmate's court file if you have it:
  • Judgement of conviction;
  • Presentence investigation report;
  • Offense reports;
  • Indictment;
• Scrapbook containing accomplishments;
• A careful and accurate list of all of prior offenses.  If you have documents on these, it would help;
• Certificates of education or achievement;
• Certificates or documents showing attendance or completion of alcohol and drug treatment;
• The names and addresses and phone numbers of all schools attended by the client;
• The names and addresses and phone numbers of all hospitals and doctors which have treated the client;
• A printout of any TDC reports showing parole eligibility dates; and
• Any documents from the Parole Board

If you would like more information, please contact attorney James Wes Volberding's Tyler, TX law office.