PAROLE

Parole

The release of an inmate into the community before the full sentence is served

Conditional Release

Parole is a Conditional Release, which allows some offenders to serve the balance of their sentence outside of the institution under terms and conditions.

Parole Board of Canada

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC), as part of the criminal justice system, makes independent, quality conditional release and record suspension decisions and clemency recommendations. The Board contributes to the protection of society by facilitating as appropriate, the timely reintegration of offenders as law-abiding citizens., according to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA)

Why Parole?

Most offenders are serving a fixed length sentence

This means they will eventually be released

Parole helps offenders re-integrate into the community through a gradual, controlled, and supported release with conditions

Types of Parole:Type of Release

When Granted Duration

Escorted absences

Any time 5-15 days

Unescorted absences

After on-sixth of sentence is served, or six years, whichever is greater

2 days if in medium security3 days if in minimum security

Day Parole

Before full parole Daily; return to halfway house

Full Parole

After one-third of sentence is served, or seven years, whichever is less

Until completion of sentence if conditions are followed

Statutory release

After two-thirds of sentence is served

Until completion of sentence if conditions are followed

Temporary Absence

Authorities may grant inmates absences for a variety of reasons, such as: Participate in rehabilitation programs To obtain medical treatment To attend significant family eventsAny inmate classified as maximum security are not eligible

Parole for Murder

Criminal Code states that first-degree murderers sentenced to life in prison are not eligible for full parole for 25 years

Most who receive a life sentence are released Will remain on parole and under supervision for the

rest of their lives

Second-degree murder have the parole eligibility established by the judge at the time of sentencing Usually between 10 and 25 years In trial by jury, jury can make a recommendation

Parole for Murder

Sentences without parole in sever cases: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Politics/Power%20&%20Politics/ID/2381744259/

Faint Hope Clause

Reconsideration of parole eligibility for an offender sentence to at least 15 years in prison

Example: someone not eligible for parole for 20 years, can apply for parole review after 15 years this clause was introduce to recognize that an

inmate may be rehabilitated Offenders convicted of more than one murder

are not eligible for judicial review

Accelerated Review

A parole board review of an offender’s eligibility after one-third of the sentence is served Qualify if offence did not involve

violence, sex, drugs, or organized crime Must be released for full day parole

unless the parole board can find reasonable grounds to believe the offender is likely to reoffend.

Common Myths about Parole

Myth: Most offenders commit new crimes while on parole Fact: The vast majority of offenders do not re-offend while

on parole; less than 1% re-offend violently while on parole

Myth: Parole is automatically granted Fact: Parole is never guaranteed. By law, public safety is

always the primary consideration

Myth: Parole reduces the original sentence imposed by the court

Fact: Parole allows an offender to serve part of the sentence in the community under supervision. If thy fail to comply with any of their conditions of release, they can be returned to prison.

Parole in the News:

Parole: http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2013/05/20130529-140233.html

Day Parole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zgFVFROux8

Privacy Rights: Dad fights for killer to not get parole http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Community/Canada/Montreal/ID/2187969855/

PBC Virtual Tour of a Hearing Room

http://www.pbc-clcc.gc.ca/hearing/flash/index-eng.shtml