5225 Corrections and Rehabilitation
Program Descriptions

35 - BOARD OF PAROLE HEARINGS

The objective of the Board of Parole Hearings Program is to promote public safety through parole processes and decisions that are fair and to provide the required due process to inmates and wards throughout the hearing process.

For adult offenders, the Board of Parole Hearings is responsible for setting the terms and conditions of parole, conducting parole consideration hearings for eligible inmates serving life sentences and parolees charged with violating parole, issuing warrants, and determining whether parolees should be considered for discharge from parole. Hearings are also conducted for mentally disordered offenders, sexually violent predators, sexually violent predators, and serious offenders. In addition, at the Governor's request the Board investigates applications and forwards recommendations for pardons and commutations of sentence, including those involving the death penalty. It also has the discretion to recommend to the court that a prisoner be re-sentences in situations calling for compassionate release.

For juvenile offenders, the Board is responsible for discharges of commitment, orders to parole and conditions thereof, revocation or suspension of parole, and disciplinary appeals. On January 1, 2007 commissioners appointed to hear juvenile parole matters, together with their duties prescribed by law were transferred to the Chief Deputy Secretary for Juvenile Justice, which body is now referred to as the Juvenile Parole Board.