DOES AN INMATE APPLY FOR PAROLE?
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND OVERVIEW
This information is intended to assist you, the inmate, and your family and friends, in preparing for parole.
Any questions you concerning the parole process that is not addressed here, may be presented to the Board of Parole (“Board”) at the time of your next scheduled Board Review or Parole Hearing, or you may write to the Board at:
Nebraska Board of Parole
PO Box 94754
Lincoln, NE 68509
Any questions or inquiries about the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services’ (“NDCS”) Rules and Regulations should be addressed to NDCS, and not the Nebraska Board of Parole.
CONTENTS
What is Parole?
Does an inmate apply for Parole?
What is the Board’s process for determining Parole?
What are the Board Review procedures?
What does the board consider when determining whether to schedule a parole hearing or to defer to another review?
What if a life sentence is being served?
When can the inmate apply to the board for community-based programs (work detail or work/educational release)?
When will the inmate be scheduled for a parole hearing?
What is the purpose of a parole hearing and who may appear?
How does the inmate obtain a complete parole program while incarcerated?
What are the guidelines for an acceptable parole program?
What does the board consider in granting, deferring, or denying a parole?
When will the inmate be notified of the board’s decision regarding the hearing?
Can the inmate appeal the board’s decision rendered at the parole hearing?
How soon will the inmate be released after a parole is granted?
How does an inmate parole out-of-state?
Who does the inmate report to upon release?
What are the conditions of parole?
What happens if the inmate absconds from parole supervision?
When will the inmate be discharged from parole?
What is Parole?
Parole is a privilege that may be granted to an inmate, which allows him or her to serve a portion of the court-imposed sentence under supervision in the community.
Parole may be granted when all statutory requirements have been met. Parole may be granted only after it is determined by the Board that it is in the best interest of society; that it will not depreciate from the seriousness of the crime; that it will not promote disrespect for the law; and that it will further enhance the inmate’s desire for successful re-entry.
Parole does not release the inmate from the court-imposed sentence. Parole provides the inmate with an opportunity to complete the sentence under supervision in a community setting or to begin satisfying any outstanding detainers.
The purpose of Parole is to protect the rights of society and to provide assistance to the parole inmate in returning to his or her community. A period of supervised release in the community allows for the Division of Parole Supervision (“DPS”) to work alongside a parole inmate to identify potential risk factors and address inmate needs, which greatly enhances an inmate’s ability to become a productive, law-abiding citizen.
DOES AN INMATE APPLY FOR PAROLE?
No, an inmate does not apply for parole. Regardless of an individual’s parole eligibility date, Parole is a discretionary decision on the part of the Board. Parole may be granted to those inmates who exhibit positive growth and development by addressing the nature of their crime(s), by participating in recommended programming or in vocational / educational programs, and following the NDCS Disciplinary Rules and Regulations.