PAROLE REPRESENTATION FOR THOSE SEEKING RELEASE FROM PRISON
Habern, O'Neil, Buckley, & Pawgan approaches parole representation in three
distinct stages.
Stage One (EVALUATION)
Once the firm is engaged, an attorney from the firm visits the inmate at his/her prison location.
During the legal visit, the attorney obtains the legal history of the inmate, the inmate's view of the
crime(s) committed, the accomplishments of the inmate while incarcerated and the parole plan for the
inmate's return to society. We strongly suggest we be employed a minimum of six months prior to
a parole presentation date. Although we can complete the entire process in a shorter time, complicated cases may take longer.
Efforts are made to locate relevant documents from the court of conviction(s) and those documents
available for release from the prison and other sources. Once these documents are obtained, the legal
team analyzes the positive and negative aspects of the client's case and compares this analysis against
the current policies and procedures of the Parole authority. A detailed written document is then
submitted to the client and any persons the client authorizes describing this firm's opinion about the
chances for parole, what our approach would be to the problems faced by the prospective parolee,
and what might be done to overcome and correct deficiencies currently existing. This evaluation will
also include what the costs of representation would be in a particular case. We do not suggest all
prospective clients employ us because at times we do run into inmates who we do not believe we can
assist in their parole efforts. If it is our determination that we do not think we can assist a prospective
client, we will state the reasons for such a conclusion in our evaluation.
Stage Two (DEVELOPMENT)
The Development Stage of representation is specific to the individual's needs. In the prepared
evaluation by the firm's legal representatives, it is determined whether the client will need additional
outside evaluation by licensed chemical abuse specialists, psychological testing and/or examination
by psychologists and/or psychiatrists. At times we suggest there be a polygraph examination where
that is the only way to substantiate a claim being made by the client. There are also those cases where
we deem it necessary to have an examination by "Free World" medical specialists, and/or other
specialists dictated by the nature of the criminal history.
This stage can be a lengthy process. The recommendation for specialists and the performance of
those specialists' evaluations are often the key to answering the known questions Parole authorities
may formulate before parole can be granted in a particular case.
During development, the family and supportive persons will be asked to write and provide letters
describing the type support the family may be able to provide the inmate. Offers of employment and
the availability of educational training and medical attention in the community will also be stressed.
The family will be encouraged to prepare a videotape of the parolee's eventual place of residence and
the persons who will be the support group.
Stage Three (PRESENTATION)
The final stage of representation in parole matters is the preparation of a well written and complete
document that clearly defines the crime committed from the state's point of view contrasted against
our client's version of the facts. Acceptance of responsibility and all mitigation of the facts are
contained in the Prospectus. A review of the client's prison history, and efforts at rehabilitation are
reviewed. A well defined parole plan which includes employment possibilities and any special needs
that the client may require are presented. The results of the evaluations by specialists and any
recommendation for treatment are also presented for the Board to review.
Considering the current Parole Board has but 7 members and that the prison now incarcerates
160,000 inmates, the time for review of an inmate's file is extremely limited. It has been estimated
that Board members individually cast 10,000 votes per month. As a result, fewer Board members now
grant face-to-face interviews than when the work load was at a lower level. When possible, our office presents every client's file before the first voting member of the assigned parole panel.
If you would like us to send you more information about parole representation, please provide us with the following information. This information will not be released to any party, and will be kept strictly confidential.
