Should You Hire A Parole Attorney For Your LO?

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Questions You Must Ask A Potential Parole Lawyer


When news spreads throughout the system that someone was granted a positive parole vote the auto response is, "Did they have a parole lawyer?" Parole feels like a mystery for most inmates and those who love and support us. Rarely do any of us have the privilege of meeting face to face with an actual voting member of the Parole Board so we simply write letters, mail in certificates, and pray that our best efforts will overshadow the crime(s) we committed years ago. Hiring a Parole Attorney is an option, albeit an expensive one. Inside the razor wire there are very mixed reviews around this subject. Some feel it's a scam, others swear by the effectiveness of the choice to hire an attorney to represent your loved ones case to parole. Whatever you decide with your LO, here are some questions you most certainly should ask before you hire anyone.

1. What will they actually do for your LO?

Some "parole attorneys" simply create parole packets. If the attorney you're considering admits as much, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Some packet-laywers include elements based on years of experience and success that produce results. However, some attorneys will go way beyond this level and can meet with actual voting Board members to present why your LO is an excellent candidate for parole supervision. Ask about their process and plan.

2. What is their success rate with the charge(s) of your LO?

Some attorneys will boast high rates of success for parole votes. What they may neglect to mention is that most of their clients were first time offenders serving five-year sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. It is important you know their experience with, and success rate of, the type of charge(s) your LO has.

3. Will they represent until a positive vote is received?

In the event your LO is given a set-off (denial for parole) some parole lawyers will represent your LO again at their next review date. However, many parole attorneys do not automatically re-represent. Before you hire an attorney, know their policy regarding future representation in the event of a set-off.

4. How will they present the case?

As part of the attorneys presentation process, the way in which your LOs case is presented to the Board is critical. Be sure to ask if the case will be made in person to voting members, on the phone with voting members, or will it simply be mailed in for review? Presentation is everything.

5. Will they meet with your LO in person or via phone?

Before an attorney can adequately represent your LO they need to know your LO. Ask the potential attorney how they will get to know your LO and what kind of communication you can expect from them.

6. Why are they in this business?

This is my favorite question to a parole lawyer. I always want to know why they chose this profession. If they had a LO inside I am more likely to lean into their empathy. If they believe in second chances in life I know they value redemption. Their answer exposes their motives.

7. Are they a board certified or licensed attorney?

Being board certified means they have passed some standard to practice law in a specific State. Not all businesses who represent parole candidates are lawyers. Some of the best options for parole representation are NOT lawyers but former inmates who walked through the parole process themselves.

Never be afraid to ask many questions before hiring an attorney. If you are satisfied with the answers provided, go for it! If you don't get the response you hoped to hear, trust your instinct. Be sure to shop around as well. You don't have to hire the first attorney you come across and you don't have to hire one at all. It's your decision. Thank you for loving your LO! I'm praying for favor over your LO and you. What else should someone consider? Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, experiences, and referrals.


Like Trent's blog? Subscribe to his monthly newsletter at ichoosehope.substack.com.

Contact Trent directly by creating a Securus e-messaging account at SecurusTech.net or on the Securus App. You'll need his full name, State, and facility (Trenton Blythe, Texas, Texas Department of Criminal Justice). He'd love to hear from you!

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