Parole Lawyers: What Happens at a Parole Hearing?

A parole hearing is where a person who has been incarcerated for a criminal offense may have the opportunity to be considered for release on parole before serving their full sentence. Parole is a form of conditional release that allows offenders to reintegrate into the community under supervision while serving the remainder of their sentence. The primary goal of parole is to facilitate rehabilitation and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Here ss an overview of what typically happens at a parole hearing in Canada:

1. Preparation: The offender’s case is reviewed by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) prior to the hearing. This includes reviewing the offender’s criminal history, institutional behavior, risk assessments, treatment progress, and any input from victims, law enforcement, and other relevant parties.
2. Hearing Process: The actual parole hearing involves a panel of Parole Board members who conduct the hearing. The hearing is usually held within the institution where the offender is incarcerated, although more recently, it may be conducted via video conference.
3. Participants: The participants in a parole hearing may include the offender, their legal representation (called their assistant), a representative from the institution (often a case management team member), a parole officer, and sometimes victim representatives or witnesses.
4. Presentation of Information: The offender’s case is presented, including information about their offense, behavior while incarcerated, participation in rehabilitation programs, treatment progress, plans for release, and any other relevant factors. This will include direct questions from the Board members to the offender.
5. Risk Assessment: The panel evaluates the offender’s risk of reoffending and their potential for successful reintegration into the community. This assessment is based on various factors, including the offender’s criminal history, behavior in prison, treatment progress, and release plans.
6. Victim Input: In cases where there are victims, they may have the opportunity to provide input on the potential release of the offender. This can be done in writing, through a victim impact statement, or sometimes through a representative.
7. Decision: After considering all the information presented, the Parole Board panel will render a decision. They may grant or deny parole.
8. Release Plan: If parole is granted, the offender’s release plan is finalized. This plan outlines the conditions of parole and the support services available to the offender upon release.