South Carolina Parole Lawyer

If you or a loved one wish to seek parole, there are specific requirements that must be met, and legal hoops to jump through to obtain your freedom. Parole occurs during the time after a person is released from prison, and typically requires a showing to the Parole Board to be released. While you are permitted to argue your own case, the hearing can be daunting without the help of an attorney who is experienced in parole board hearings.

An experienced South Carolina parole lawyer can help you request release from prison and hopefully improve your chances. Our criminal defense team is here to help you fight for your freedom.

The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (DPPPS)

In South Carolina, the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (DPPPS) oversees the rules and regulations that guide the parole process. The rules governing the release of prisoners under parole in South Carolina can be incredibly complex and feel impossible to understand without guidance from an experienced attorney.

Under the authority of the DPPPS is the Parole Board. It consists of seven members, one from each congressional district in the state. The Parole Board members are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. The Board has the power to grant or deny parole, revoke, or modify parole, and make recommendations on commutations and reprieves by the Governor.

Presenting a strong case to the Parole Board is an essential part of increasing the chances parole will be granted.

Factors the Parole Board May Consider

The Parole Board is tasked with determining whether a petition for parole will be granted. In making this decision, the Board may look at factors such as:

• The specific criminal conviction of the defendant
• The sentencing date for the crime
• The defendant’s record while servicing a prison sentence
• The defendant’s personal history
• Victim impact statements and the victim’s input about parole

Presenting information to the Parole Board can be tricky to do for a defendant. A seasoned South Carolina parole attorney may better present the case to the Board and could significantly increase the likelihood the request will be granted.

Parole Board Revocation Hearings

If an incarcerated inmate is granted parole, they will remain under the supervision of the DPPPS. There are many requirements to properly comply with the program. Failure to abide by the terms of the parole can cause certain penalties to occur.

When the DPPPS alleges a violation of parole has occurred, a hearing before a judge will occur so that the judge may determine whether a violation occurred. If the judge determines that a violation or violations occurred, they will impose a punishment on the defendant. This can result in revocation of the parole, an extension of the prison term, modification of supervision terms, or much more.

It can be incredibly easy to violate parole conditions, as they are often extremely strict. A revocation hearing has a much lower standard of proof than a criminal trial. As a result, it is critical that every South Carolina defendant be represented by a competent attorney during parole board revocation hearings.

Talk to South Carolina Parole Attorney Today

Whether you wish to apply for parole or need defended in a parole violation hearing, having knowledgeable legal counsel by your side is incredibly helpful. These cases are complex and subject to strict guidelines.

A South Carolina parole lawyer can help you apply for parole or defend a parole violation. Contact us today for help with your case.