DISCLOSURE: The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice. Wife and Inmate Connection and it's parent company do not practice law in any state. The information provided is to be used at your own will and discretion with or without the advice of your own legal counsel. Please note, we do not legally represent any inmate for their parole hearing. If you choose to utilize our services it will be for informational and preparation services only.
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Our mission is to provide you and your inmate with several pieces of knowledge and options, including the services we provide. It is our intent not to simply provide services, but to provide extensive material in which the incarcerated and their families can make the best decisions for themselves. We maintain integrity in the work we do. Our expertise is in Texas parole, however on occasion and by request we have worked with families in other states in the US. Listed below are frequently asked questions regarding parole. If you have any further questions please email us. A link is provided below to the right hand side.
What is parole?
Parole is an opportunity for an inmate to be released from prison with condition; and the ability to complete the rest of their sentence at home under a form of supervision from a parole officer.
When is my inmate eligible for parole?
Being eligible for parole varies. Dependent upon the nature of the crime, some inmates are eligible for parole after as little as months, 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 of their time has been served behind prison doors. They may be eligible for good time and short way which gives them a second opportunity to be released on a form of parole. In other cases a judge may have ordered completion of some form of special mental health or substance abuse treatment as part of their sentence and may be required to be treated under those conditions before parole release.
What is a parole packet?
A parole packet is a compilation of documents that support release for an incarcerated individual. The documents contained within a parole packet should support release for your loved one. Dependent upon the circumstances of the incarcerated individual, parole packets will vary in information. If an incarcerated individual has been reviewed for parole more than once, some information may need to be changed and updated for their next parole review.
What does a parole packet do for my inmate?
A parole packet works to support release for an incarcerated individual. It is created to show responsible decisions and goals of the incarcerated individual. Parole packets include extensive information about what an incarcerated individual plans to do upon release. It should contain goal setting and themed or consistent information within it's contents. It should also contain positive information about the individual while they have been incarcerated. This information allows the incarcerated individual to metaphorically speak to the TX-BPP. The individual is able to suggest their reasoning as to why they deserve to be released on parole.
Do I need a parole packet?
Optional - By law it is not required to provide a parole packet to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. However, showing support for the individual to be released can be rewarding and benefit the individual who is eligible for parole.
Do I need an attorney?
Optional - The individual who goes before the TX-BPP, may seek legal counsel if they feel it is conducive to being released. Some families choose to hire a parole attorney. In many cases, it has been our experience that the attorney offers legal counsel before, during, and/or after the parole process. This is to ensure the inmate’s rights are not violated as well as to ensure that your inmate’s parole decision is decided upon according to the laws of Texas. This does not affect the parole decision process made by the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles (TX- BPP). In addition, attorneys can legally bring forth case facts and data. Some attorney’s fees start at about $2,000 on average and run up to about $10,000 dependent upon the inmate’s case. These attorneys may or may not advise you in depth on how to prepare a parole packet; and can often times offer little or extensive guidance in the packet building process. If you plan to hire an attorney we strongly encourage you to make this your first step.
Do I need a parole packet and an attorney?
Optional - Having both an attorney and a parole packet may or may not be beneficial. It is dependent upon the circumstances of the incarcerated individual. There are attorneys who do great work and there are parole packets that are prepared with perfection, but individuals have been declined parole based on other factors relative to their case. Most individuals make a decision based on financial resources and will choose a combination of at least a parole packet, if not both a parole packet and attorney. Some attorneys will tell you to provide information to them to create a parole packet. However, most attorneys focus on the legal realms of the inmate's parole and often do not focus on additional information contained in a parole packet. Both the parole packet and the attorney have different roles in parole reviews, but in some cases can overlap in efficiency. It is up to you and/or the inmate to obtain as much information as possible in making this decision.
Who reviews my incarcerated individual for parole?
Men and women who are incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) are reviewed by:
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division (TDCJ-ID) by an Institutional Parole Officer (IPO). This person does not make a decision about the incarcerated individual's parole.The IPO within TDCJ-ID will only make a referral to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (TX-BPP) in support of or against parole. This recommendation is based on the incarcerated individual's record within TDCJ and as well as, the information obtained when interviewing the inmate.
- The final decision of your loved ones parole is based on a review by a TX-BPP board of 3 voters designated to the region where the individual is incarcerated.
How do I begin preparations for parole?
- Begin researching your options on attorneys and parole packet preparations no less than 1 year in advance.
- Compare services and determine what suits the incarcerated individual best.
- Ask questions and be persistent with any questions or confusion you may have.
- Seek understanding in the entire process. Simply hiring an attorney or hiring a parole preparation company is not sufficient. There is work that will be required of the individuals that support the inmate. There is also work to be done by the inmate as well.
- Be sure that all parties are willing to work with the inmate. The inmate should be the priority and focus throughout the parole process.
- Gather support from the inmate's family and friends. Find people who are willing to write favorable letters in support of the inmate's release.
Will my inmate be released on their parole eligibility date?
Maybe - In most cases when an inmate has an eligible parole date, it simply means they have served the minimum required amount of time and are able to be reviewed for parole. In addition, if the parole board grants parole, they often place stipulations on release; meaning, the inmate has to complete requests made by the parole board. These requests are given after the parole review and can include, DNA testing, blood work, specific release training, and/or program attendance. However, if an inmate shows sufficient evidence and support for release the parole board does have the opportunity to release the inmate on their eligibility date.
Are there any instances why my inmate makes parole but is not released on his parole date?
Yes, in some instances if an inmate makes parole but is not released:
- It may mean there is a warrant for the inmate to be detained for another government enforcement agency.
- It may mean that the inmate has not successfully completed required stipulations set forth by the parole board.
- It may mean that something has taken place before the inmate scheduled release and their parole has been revoked.
When will we know if the inmate has made parole?
Checking the TDCJ offender parole page is the quickest method to finding the answer to the parole vote.
Your inmate will receive written notice from the parole board.
You may also call
Austin (512) 406-5864 or Huntsville 936-295-6371.
Your inmate will receive written notice from the parole board.
You may also call
Austin (512) 406-5864 or Huntsville 936-295-6371.
Our Services
Why Utilize Wife and Inmate Connection?
Wife and Inmate Connection
- Provides Spanish/English translation services.
- Employs advisers with combined professional experience of over 16 years.
- Employs a primary adviser who has unique experience in Texas.
- Employs advisers who have mentoring and coaching experience.
- Provides families and inmates with as many resources as possible to make responsible and sound decisions.
- Provides in person, mail, email, and telephone consultations.
- Offers one on one individualized care.
- Works with both families and inmates.
- Offers services that are unique and individualized that other companies do not.
What parole services do you offer?
Wife and Inmate Connection Offers:
- Intensive inmate consultation via USPS mail.
- Cooperative collaboration with family and friends of the inmate.
- Design material to make sure the packet is systematically cohesive with other information in the packet.
- We will provide any information to your attorney should you hire one.
- Guidance on letter writing. (Inmate)
- Guidance on letter writing. (Family & Friends)
- Guidance on letter writing. (Other)
- Grammatical review and corrections.
- We provide translation services. (en español)
- At the time of your consultation we offer a packet of resources for you and your inmate.
- We provide a post packet list of what to expect in the final steps of your parole review.
- We research rehabilitative, educational, social, and behavioral health programs available in the parole release city or surrounding areas.
How long does it take you to complete the packet?
Time frames vary. Our goal is to have your parole packet ready a minimum of 180 days prior to the parole review date. We begin working immediately on obtaining the pertinent information for the inmate's parole. Much of our work is dependent upon the information you, the inmate, and their support system provide. We require your cooperation to make this successful!