Parole Board Hearings and Other Post-Conviction Remedies
Being convicted of a crime isn’t the end of the road. The days, weeks, and even years following conviction offer several opportunities to impact your future. These include sentencing, appellate review, expungements and parole board hearings.
Michigan Parole Board Hearings
When a person is sentenced to prison in Michigan, the actual amount of time he or she will serve is still uncertain. Although Michigan law requires that a person convicted of a crime serve at least the minimum sentence before being considered for parole, many remain in prison considerably longer.
Michigan Standard for Parole
Michigan state law provides that:
A prisoner shall not be given liberty on parole until the board has reasonable assurance, after consideration of all of the facts and circumstances, including the prisoner’s mental and social attitude, that the prisoner will not become a menace to society or to the public safety.
It’s far from certain that an inmate who reaches his or her minimum sentence will be granted parole. In fact, a 2014 study showed that most parole-eligible inmates in Michigan prisons had served 125% of their minimum sentences.
Preparation for parole board interviews may be particularly complicated and confusing, since the inmate will likely receive a barrage of advice from fellow inmates about what to say and what to avoid at the hearing. Though most of that advice is intended to be helpful, conventional wisdom among the prison population does not always match the realities of the legal process. To give yourself or your loved one the best chance at being granted parole, get guidance from an experienced corrections attorney.
You can schedule a free consultation by calling 269-978-6560.
Other Post-Conviction Representation
After conviction and before reaching the parole board stage, there are several opportunities to impact sentencing or attack the conviction.
Sentencing
Although sentencing for minor crimes often takes place at the time of conviction, sentencing on serious charges is usually a more complex process. A probation officer will interview the defendant and put together a pre-sentencing report that includes impressions from the interview, information about the defendant’s criminal history, and possibly statements from victims.
Often, presenting the right type of information at this stage can impact the probation officer’s recommendation, and thus the severity of the sentence. Attorney’s Tara L. Sharp and Alicia Storm are well versed in the sentencing process and knows the type of information that will be most likely to favorably impact the outcome
Appellate Review
Mistakes happen in the courtroom, and the prosecution doesn’t always play by the rules. When those errors or violations are serious enough, an appeal may result in the conviction being vacated or a new trial granted.
If you have questions about the validity of your conviction or feel that your case may have been mismanaged, contact our office for a free consultation. We’ll review the trial court record and advise you as to any possible grounds for appeal.
Expungement
Expungement of a criminal conviction serves to erase the conviction from your criminal record. Expungement is desirable for many people because a criminal record can create obstacles such as limitations on employment and housing options.
Not every conviction is eligible for expungement: the process is limited to non-violent felonies, and is not always granted even in cases meeting that criterion. Sharp & Storm can assess your criminal history and the likelihood that you’ll be granted an expungement. Just schedule a free consultation by dialing 269-978-6560.
Criminal Defense Help After Conviction
Whether you’ve just been convicted and are hoping to minimize your sentence or you’re nearing the end of your minimum sentence and want to maximize your chances of being granted parole, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. Why not reach out right now to learn more about your rights and options.