Parole Representation

Parole and mandatory supervision are complicated areas of law and virtually each time the Texas Legislature meets, the laws change -- usually by becoming more restrictive.  It's important to know that the parole laws in Texas are unique to Texas and the rights and procedures that exist in other states do not exist in Texas.  "Parole hearings" -- where the prisoner and his lawyer appear in an open forum before the voters and state their case for parole -- do not exist in Texas.  Rather, in Texas the process is "closed" and secretive.  As a result, there are many misconceptions about the parole review process.

 A prisoner's "parole eligibility date" is the date that he becomes eligible for parole consideration.  Prisoners do not need to take any action to become eligible for parole.  The parole eligibility date will be calculated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is based on the offense and the date the offense was committed.  

Some prisoners choose to conduct their own investigation and/or preparation of parole materials for the Board of Pardons and Paroles, particularly when the case is non-violent, non-sexual and non-aggravated. 

However, when the offenses are violent or sexual, or the cases are more complex, or complicated by lengthy criminal histories, poor institutional adjustment, extensive media coverage or other extenuating factors, many prisoners hire lawyers to represent them before the Parole Board.

When Yolanda is hired for parole representation, she investigates and prepares the cases herself.  She does not allow secretaries or legal assistants to do the work for which she is hired.   Each Client is unique so each case is unique.  The circumstances and persuasive arguments that apply in one person's case, may not be appropriate in another person's case. 

Yolanda always requests to meet with the lead voter of the Parole Panel. While the Parole Board is not required to grant the requests, the Board voters usually do so and allow for a meeting either in person or by phone.  In most cases, the Client's family also attends the meeting.  At the meeting, Yolanda will present the facts and arguments in support of parole and the family will have the opportunity to address the Board voter.    

If you have any questions about parole representation, or for information about the fee for representation in your case,  please contact Yolanda at yolandamtorres@gmail.com.