1. How will I know when an inmate is coming up for parole?
All Alabama Parole Hearings are listed on the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles website at http://www.pardons.state.al.us/Hearings.aspx, but each inmate will also receive a letter from the Executive Director of the Alabama Parole Board informing him or her of what date the hearing will be held.
2. Where are the parole hearings conducted?
All parole hearings are conducted at the Board of Pardons and Paroles building in Montgomery at:
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130.
3. Is there parking available around the Board of Pardons and Parole building?
Yes, there is metered parking surrounding the Board of Pardons and Paroles building that functions off of an app that can be downloaded. Ticketing does not begin until 8 AM and they regularly ticket individuals who do not have time on the meter (note: re-feeding the meter is illegal). There are parking decks available in downtown Montgomery but they are several blocks from the building where the hearings will take place.
4. When should I arrive for the hearing?
No one knows the order in which hearings are held each day.Parole boards do not set a specific time for an individual’s parole hearing.The employees of the Board will open the doors to the building around 7:30 AM and will give instructions on what to do.You will handle signing in via an iPad stationed in one of the waiting rooms.Staff from the Alabama Parole Board will gladly assist you with the sign-in process.The Board may take up “Other” business some mornings and may not begin hearings until later in the morning.A large flat panel television will display the day’s hearings and how they will be grouped.
5. Who can go into the parole hearing? How many people can speak?
Public hearings are held for parole hearings. To speak, individuals must be over the age of 18. The Board allows the inmate to have up to 3 people speak on their behalf about why they should be released on parole, if they are utilizing the assistance of an Alabama Parole Lawyer such as Hal Walker. Those opposing parole can have more individuals and organizations speak. The inmate or those opposing the parole can bring numerous additional people to support their release, but those individuals would not be able to speak. The Board notes their appearance, and it can influence their decision to release or not release an inmate.
6. Will the individual who is up for parole be able to speak at the hearing?
The Alabama Parole Board does not transport inmates for hearings. Currently, inmates cannot address the Board; however, we continue to try to change procedures to allow for something similar to Zoom to serve as a means of communication.
7. What type of limitations on parole can be put on a parolee?
Individuals who want to support a loved one, friend, or community member being released on parole can send a letter or information to the Board of Pardons and Paroles at 301 South Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36130 explaining why the Board should release them. Alternatively, they can email information to notifications@paroles.alabama.gov.
8. What can I do to support an inmate when I cannot go to the parole hearing?
Individuals who want to support a loved one, friend, or community member being released on parole can send a letter or information to the Board of Pardons and Paroles at 301 South Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36130 explaining why the Board should release them. Alternatively, they can email information to notifications@paroles.alabama.gov.
9. Is the parole consideration date listed on the Alabama Department of Corrections website the parole date?
The Alabama Department of Corrections website lists an approximate date when the inmate could become eligible, but this date is not definitive. Various factors, including the need to notify a victim if applicable, determine when the hearing will be held.
10. Is it helpful to hire an attorney to speak at the hearing?
Absolutely! A skilled Alabama Parole Lawyer possesses experience in front of the Alabama Parole Board and can create a stronger presentation based on the specifics of the crime and duration of incarceration. They have represented clients many times and will likely be well recognized by the Alabama Parole Board. For more information on hiring an attorney to assist with a Parole Hearing, reach out to Hal Walker, the Alabama Parole Lawyer, at 334-329-7325.
