how to get a lawyer to help someone get out of prison

by Fannie Hayes Sr. 7 min read

Ask your friends or family to call a lawyer. It is probably easier for your friends or family outside jail to find a lawyer on your behalf. They can make an unlimited number of calls and ask the attorney questions.

Full Answer

How to help your loved one get out of prison?

When you are writing a letter to the parole board to help your loved one get out of prison, the most important thing to remember is to be truthful. If you aren’t sure your loved one is ready to be released, don’t write a letter saying they are. The consequences of that could be awful.

How do I find a lawyer outside of jail?

Ask your friends or family to call a lawyer. It is probably easier for your friends or family outside jail to find a lawyer on your behalf. They can make an unlimited number of calls and ask the attorney questions. If you trust the person you call, have them contact an attorney for you.

What do our attorneys do for victims of jail?

Our attorneys help victims of jail and prison neglect, misconduct, excessive force, and abuse in jail, prisons and detention centers across the country. Prison is meant to take people out of their communities and for the sake of public safety, assist inmates in rehabilitation and reform.

What should I do if I’m suffering prison abuse?

If you are suffering abuse or negligent behavior or actions, contact our prison abuse attorneys now. We help inmates, and their family members seek justice. If you or your loved one has suffered abuse, been a victim of neglect, or suffered fatal injuries, you only have a set period of time to file a claim.

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How do you help someone get out of prison?

Peeples said the best way to help people coming out of prison is to donate to community organizations providing resources to people leaving prison. She said she recommends people wanting to help look for nearby, local reentry programs and volunteer time or money.

Who decides if prisoners are released early?

Executive Clemency: The United States Constitution, Article II, Section 2, authorizes the President of the United States to adjust prison sentences through Executive Clemency.

How do prisoners get out early?

A prisoner requests parole by filing a motion for early release. The motion is a document in which the prisoner explains why they are entitled to early release. A prisoner may apply for early release based on special conditions. These conditions include terminal illness, old age, and good behavior.

Can someone buy you out of jail?

Generally, if you can be released on your own recognizance, you should try to take that option. However, many people are forced to purchase a bail bond in order to get released from jail. A bond is much like a check that you give to a friend, asking him or her not to cash it until you say it's okay to do so.

How do you write a letter to a judge for early release?

Recap the main points of why you feel you should be released from probation early in your final paragraph. Mention that you have suffered mental anguish and feel very remorseful for the crime you committed. Thank the judge for reading your letter. Ask him to take it into consideration when he makes his decision.

What are three methods of early release used in US prisons?

How to Get Early Release from Prison Earning Time Off Your Sentence. Getting Parole. Obtaining a “Compassionate Release”

Who qualifies for the first step act?

Today, the Department of Justice announced that a new rule has been submitted to the Federal Register implementing the Time Credits program required by the First Step Act for persons incarcerated in federal facilities who committed nonviolent offenses.

How do you get parole from jail?

Eligibility for the grant of paroleA convict must have served at least one year in jail, excluding any time spent in remission.The prisoner's behaviour had to be uniformly good.The criminal should not have committed any crimes during the period of parole if it was granted previously.More items...•

Do federal prisoners get money when released?

Do inmates receive money when they are released? Yes. This is often known as gate money. If paroling or releasing on suspended sentence, the inmate may receive a bus ticket or a ride on a transport shuttle to the county of commitment or equivalent distance.

How long can you be held in jail without seeing a judge?

As a general rule: If you're placed in custody, your "speedy trial" rights typically require the prosecutor to decide charges within 72 hours. Many states adhere to this 72-hour limit. Sometimes, no charges are filed, and you will be released.

Do prisoners get money in jail?

1.10 Prisoners can earn money in various ways while in prison. Paid purposeful activity is available to many, but not all, prisoners. These activities include education and training, prison services jobs such as cleaning or mentoring, and commercial workshops within prisons.

Why do people go to prison?

Prison is meant to take people out of their communities and for the sake of public safety, assist inmates in rehabilitation and reform. And while there is no place in the criminal justice system for negligence and abuse, lawsuits have been filed across the country on behalf of inmates who have suffered terrible abuses and severe neglect.

What happens if you die in prison?

If you are injured or killed while in detention due to the neglect or abuse by staff or other prisoners, the government may be held legally accountable and may be required to compensate you or your family for your injuries or wrongful death.

What happened to the Utah Department of Corrections?

Utah – Four inmates file a lawsuit against Utah Department of Corrections alleging they were attacked by police dogs and shocked with tasers while detained in the Daggett County Jail. The sheriff and various deputies involved in the abuse pleaded guilty to misconduct charges. The jail was ordered closed in 2017.

What happened to inmates after being beaten?

Media outlets have reported allegations of fractured skulls, brain injury, and inmates left in comas after being beaten as well as inmates dying after being denied basic necessities like water. In fact, force has even been used against inmates who suffer mental disabilities that prevent them from understanding what they are being told by correction officers.

What is the number to call for a free & confidential case evaluation?

Call Now For a Free & Confidential Case Evaluation 866-287-5130.

What are some examples of abuses in prison?

Some examples of abuses for which you may be entitled to seek legal recourse include: Cruel or unusual punishment or being stripped of human dignities. Destruction of personal property.

What happens when prison conditions are bad?

When conditions are too bad, guard and prisoner violence increase, sometimes leading to riots. It doesn’t have to be this way. If you are suffering abuse or negligent behavior or actions, contact our prison abuse attorneys now. We help inmates, and their family members seek justice.

What happens if an inmate goes to parole?

However, if your incarcerated loved one has the chance for parole, you will get the opportunity to speak up and help them regain their freedom. When an inmate goes in front of the parole board, there are a lot of factors to consider. One thing that can have a big influence is letters of support from people on the outside.

Who can write a parole letter?

Everyone in an inmate’s life who has anything positive to say about them can write a parole support letter. This includes family members, friends, former co-workers, and bosses. Teachers, counselors, mentors, and coaches are also great sources for support letters. When you are writing a letter to the parole board to help your loved one get out ...

What to say in the third paragraph of a parole letter?

In the third paragraph, tell the parole board that your inmate is a good person, and you are confident they are not a threat to re-offend. Show your support for your loved one, and explain how you and others in your community are prepared to help.

What are the concerns of parole boards?

One of the biggest concerns the parole board will have is that the inmate will return to their old life with their old circle of friends and influences. Telling them that the inmate has a supportive group in their corner can help address this concern.

How to write a parole support letter?

When writing a parole support letter, the first thing you want to do is introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. Tell them your name, your title or position if you have one, and your relationship to the inmate. In the second paragraph, you can go into detail about your relationship with the inmate.

What does parole mean in prison?

When someone is paroled, it means they are technically still in the custody of the state, but they are serving the remainder of their sentence outside of prison walls.

How to write a second paragraph for an inmate?

In the second paragraph, you can go into detail about your relationship with the inmate. You can discuss positive experiences you’ve had with them, and share their positive traits that you’ve witnessed. You can even include examples.

How to apply for parole in prison?

If you are in prison and wish to apply for parole, you should contact a criminal lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney near you can explain how the parole process works, explain your rights and options, and help to secure early release.

Who decides if a prisoner is released?

In non-compassionate release cases, the parole board decides whether to grant the release. If the prisoner wants to appeal a negative decision of the parole board , the prisoner may appeal through the appropriate entity, which may be the parole board or state governor. The appeal process differs among states.

What is the difference between parole and first degree?

The seriousness of the offense that resulted in imprisonment. Parole is less likely to be granted for first degree offenses than other offenses. Parole is less likely to be granted for violent crimes, such as kidnapping, assault, rape, robbery and murder, than for other offenses.

What does the parole board look for in a non-compassionate release case?

In non-compassionate release cases, the parole board decides whether to grant the release.

What is considered evidence in a parole board?

This evidence that is reviewed consists of: Observations, notes, and reports of prison officials about prisoner behavior and progress; Expert medical reports and testimony as to ...

What does parole board look for in a prisoner?

The parole board looks at whether early release may pose a safety threat to the community. The parole board also looks at whether the prisoner has been rehabilitated to the point of being able to be a productive member of society.

What is early release from prison?

What is “Early Release” from Prison? An early release law is a state criminal law that allows a prisoner to be released before the end of their prison term. Early release from prison is sometimes known as parole. Parole is not granted automatically. Instead, a prisoner must apply for parole.

What to do if you can't reach someone in jail?

If you can’t reach anyone on the first call, ask the guard if you can make another call. Generally, they will let you make as many calls as you need to arrange an attorney so long as you have been behaving yourself after getting arrested. Each jail has a different policy.

How to talk to a lawyer in jail?

Ask to make a phone call. Once you are booked, you should tell a jail guard that you want to talk to your attorney. You need to be explicit. Say, “I want to talk to a lawyer. Can I make a phone call?”

How to find a criminal defense attorney?

Depending on what you have been charged with, you may be able to find an attorney who works solely on your type of case. This specialization can be an incredible advantage for you as these attorneys will have a wealth of experience dealing with the particulars of your type of case. To find a specialist you can look through attorney websites and other resources. Additionally, some states offer specialization designations for attorneys who show competence in a particular area of the law.

What to do when you trust someone on the phone?

If you trust the person you call, have them contact an attorney for you. Say nothing else to your friends or family. For example, don’t start talking about the crime. Often, the police record the conversations people have using the phone.

What to do if you are arrested for a crime?

Figure out if you need a criminal defense lawyer. If you have been arrested for allegedly committing a crime, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Whether you were arrested for a minor criminal violation (e.g., state law possession of marijuana) or a serious felony (e.g., federal terrorism charges), a lawyer will help you negotiate with prosecutors, represent you in court, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Even if you do not end up hiring an attorney to represent you, they can still help you understand the charges against you.

What to do after being arrested?

A qualified criminal defense attorney will help you arrange bail, advise you about your case, and start building your defense. Generally, if you face the possibility of time in jail for your conviction, then you have the right to an attorney.

How to determine if you are being charged with a state or federal crime?

To determine whether you are being charged with a state or federal crime, ask for clarification. Additionally, if you have paperwork with information about your charges on it, look at that. If the legal citation is to the United States Code (e.g., U.S.C.), you are being charged with a federal crime.

How to ask a prisoner what they learned?

Ask him 1 question. Ask him in person, only. Look him dead in the eye and quietly, without warning, ask him exactly this: “What have you learned about yourself, here, in prison?”

What to do for a man upon release?

What you are willing to do for him, directly, upon release. Take him to appointments, drive him around to get a job, cosign for a car, buy him clothes and groceries, take him to or chaperone him to meetings, helping to pay bills --- and which bill s, and for how long.

How long before parole is granted?

An inmate will be allowed to apply for parole a few weeks before the minimum sentence is run. If it’s a state sentence, you can submit your letter to the PBPP in that general time frame. If it is a county sentence, parole will be granted or denied by the sentencing judge, normally without a hearing.

What to include in an inmate's statement?

Include any contributions the inmate has provided to the community, the church, the family. If the inmate has a stellar or healthy past other than the crime that placed the inmate in prison, give factual examples. Also include the achievements or steps taken while incarcerated to improve the inmate.

Is a state sentence a county sentence in Pennsylvania?

If a case is a state sentence, the sentencing judge has minimal ability to do anything about the sentence and all decisions about parole are made by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.

Who to thank for time on parole?

Make sure you thank the Honorable Judge and or Parole Board for their time.

Can an inmate go anywhere in rehab?

Occasionally a court will direct the sentencing credit be given for “inpatient rehab” where the inmate is under the supervision of a clinical program and again is not allowed to go anywhere. The maximum sentence is just what it sounds like—once the inmate has been in that amount of time, they must be released.

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