Orlando Parole Lawyer
Many felony crimes in Florida carry lengthy prison sentences. Indeed, there are many inmates serving life sentences for crimes that they committed several decades ago. In many cases these prisoners are still eligible to seek parole.
Florida’s laws governing parole are quite complicated. If you know someone that is currently incarcerated, an experienced Orlando parole lawyer can help explain the law to you and determine if your loved one may be in a position to apply for an early release from prison. The Joshi Law Firm, PA, represents many high-profile Central Florida criminal defendants seeking to rebuild their lives following a felony conviction.
Parole vs. Probation in Florida
There is a critical distinction in Florida between parole and probation. The latter is more common today. Probation is when a sentencing court imposes a period of supervised release as an alternative to imprisonment for someone convicted of a crime. A defendant under probation must follow certain conditions in order to remain out of jail.
Parole, in contrast, is when a prison inmate is released prior to the expiration of their court-ordered sentence. As with probation, a person on parole must comply with certain legal conditions or they can be sent back to prison to serve out the remainder of their sentence. Parole is also not a matter of right. The Florida Commission on Offender Review has the discretion to grant parole following a hearing.
The Florida legislature actually made significant changes to the state’s sentencing rules in the late 1970s. One consequence of these changes was that parole was largely abolished for people who committed crimes prior to October 1, 1983. According to the Commission, however, that still leaves about 3,500 inmates today who are still eligible to seek parole. This includes people sentenced for certain crimes committed after 1983. Some examples include:
- Any inmate who committed first-degree murder, felony murder, or used a destructive device prior to May 25, 1994;
- Any inmate who murdered a law enforcement officer prior to January 1, 1990;
- Any inmate who murdered a justice or judge prior to October 1, 1990; or
- Any inmate who committed another capital felony prior to October 1, 1995.
Even when an eligible prisoner is granted parole, they are not completely out of the woods. They must still strictly comply with a number of conditions imposed and enforced by the Commission. These conditions typically include not committing any new crimes; not possessing any firearms, alcohol, or controlled substances (unless prescribed by a doctor); and submitting to regular visits from a parole officer.
Contact Our Orlando Parole Lawyers Today
For individuals who have already spent decades in prison, parole can offer them a final chance at a fresh start. So if you know of someone who may be eligible for parole and requires legal advice on the subject from a qualified Orlando parole lawyer, call the Joshi Law Firm, PA, today at 844-GO-JOSHI or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
