Most of you have heard of the recent shooting of the Kaufman County DA here in Texas and the shooting of the Colorado Prison Chief, likely by the same person. That person, Evan Ebel, was on parole when these murders were committed.

Since this is a year that the Legislature is meeting in Austin you may see them increase the budget of the prison system and make it more difficult for prisoners to be paroled.

That is a great reason for submitting parole packets early and doing them well, particularly if you can't afford the fees of a Texas parole lawyer.

Our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Presentation Package, explains how to prepare a packet and provides forms to assist in that. However, and perhaps even more importantly, it provides information on how to calculate and use the Texas Parole Guidelines Score to increase the chances of parole.

The book also stresses that you present things in the best light and at this point you would do well to stress anything which would lead the parole board members to understand why the potential parolee is likely to be able to complete parole with no problems and also anything that indicates the parolee is not violent.

You can expect the system to start tightening back up later this year so if your loved one is up for parole it is important that they give it their best effort this time rather than waiting until the next time they are up for consideration. Right now the criteria are the best hey have been in years and parole rates are high but that could easily change.

A Note:

People ask us "When is the time to start preparing a Texas parole packet?" Most of you know that a parole packet or a parole presentation package is a collection of documents and pictures sent to the Texas parole board to help them get to know the potential parolee a little better. This is particularly important in Texas since there is not an interview nor does the offender ever meet with an actual member of the parole board who will be voting.

Our answer as to when to start is always the same. 

Immediately.

There are many reasons for this, but the main thing to remember is it is better to have the information and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Many times it takes much longer to get the information together than you would think and people are forced to submit packets without all of the materials. When you are trying for parole in Texas you need every bit of help you can get.

We discuss the various parts of the packet in our eBook, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Presentation Package, available as a download which can then be used to prepare the packet or as a download and printed copy. As a bookstore, we can mail the printed copy to a prisoner at his unit or directly to you. By all means, if you can afford a parole attorney, hire one, but if you can't, our low priced eBook will help you to do the best job possible.

A lot of people make no effort, other than getting a support letter or two, to prepare a parole packet for their loved one who is sitting in a Texas prison waiting on the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole to allow them to come home. They think that if they can't afford a Texas parole lawyer then they can't do anything to help, but that just isn't true.

Now is a great time to be putting forth the best effort possible to help someone make parole. Texas is and has been facing budget shortfalls and one area in which they have cut back is the prison system. Budget cuts mean less guards, less money for other services and, ultiamtely, a need to cut back on the numbers of prisoners. Since the judges and District Atttorneys aren't going to cut back on trying to send people to prison (it makes for good press at election time) then that means they are cutting people out of prison early via parole.

However, the system is worried about a repeat of incidents like the one in the video above. That's why it is important to be sure and prepare a proper parole packet which allows the voting members of the parole board to see your loved one or friend as a person, rather than just a number or a file. It is doubly important in a Texas parole application because unlike other states there is no parole hearing and most parole applicants never see or meet the parole board members who actually vote to approve their parole. Read this article for more information on the parole hearing.

However, anyone can prepare an effective Texas Parole Packet. All they need is the information contained in our eBook, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet available as both as an instantly downloadable eBook and as a bundle of the eBook and a printed book (which can be sent to the person in prison to allow them to help with the preparation of the package).

People ask us "When is the time to start preparing a Texas parole packet?" Most of you know that a parole packet or a parole presentation package is a collection of documents and pictures sent to the Texas parole board to help them get to know the potential parolee a little better. This is particularly important in Texas since there is not an interview nor does the offender ever meet with an actual member of the parole board who will be voting.

Our answer as to when to start is always the same. 

Immediately.

There are many reasons for this, but the main thing to remember is it is better to have the information and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Many times it takes much longer to get the information together than you would think and people are forced to submit packets without all of the materials. When you are trying for parole in Texas you need every bit of help you can get.

We discuss the various parts of the packet in our Book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Presentation Package, available as a download which can then be used to prepare the packet or as a download and printed copy. As a bookstore, we can mail the printed copy to a prisoner at his unit or directly to you. By all means, if you can afford a parole attorney, hire one, but if you can't, our low priced eBook will help you to do the best job possible.

As we have mentioned in a previous post, the parole system in Texas is not like other states and definitely not like they show in the movies. In Texas there is no opportunity for an offender to meet with the voting members of the parole board.  They usually don't have a chance to even talk to the people who actually vote on their release. The only contact the prisoner or their loved ones will have with the voting members of the Texas Board of Parole will be through any written documentation, such as a Texas Parole Packet, that is sent to them.

This is often confused with the interview done by the Institutional Parole Officer at the prison unit.  The Institutional Parole Officer works for the parole board but does not have a say in whether an inmate is granted parole.  Their role in the parole process is to gather information about the offender and one of their ways of obtaining this information is with an interview.  During this interview, the Institutional Parole Officer will ask questions about the offender’s past and future plans. They discuss occupational history, education history, criminal history, psychological history, behavior, and accomplishments during their incarceration, future living arrangements, and other plans if they are granted parole.  This information typed in a report and becomes part of the information given to the parole board member who does get to vote.

Due to the nature of the questions and responses, the offender can feel the interviewer is a voting member of the parole board.  Often, the Institutional Parole Officer does not tell the offender that they do not have a say in whether or not parole is granted and in many cases will tell the offender they will be granted or denied parole when, in fact, they have no control or knowledge on the issue.  

If a Texas Parole Packet has already been sent to the board this is also a good time for the prisoner to verify that the IPO has the packet and will consider it when preparing their report. If the Texas parole packet has not been sent then the prisoner complete one and have it sent to the voting members.

It is important to note that there are approximately 200 IPO in Texas who interview inmates at over 100 TDCJ units and 254 county jails across the state.  Much of the time is spent preparing detailed case summaries about the offender.  With over 150,000 inmates that means the IPOs do not have much time for interviews or to write a comprehensive case summary.  

That is why a parole package is so important during the Texas parole consideration process.  A parole package has to be more than just a letter pleading for the release of a loved one, it needs to contain information that shows that the prisoner is a person and not just a mug shot and a number.  

TexasParoleNow.com strongly recommends How to Prepare a Texas Parole Presentation Package.  The book is available as an instant download or as a bundle including a download and a printed copy that can be mailed to you or to the prisoner which will allow them to understand and assist in preparing the packet. 

The Institutional Parole Officer is often times the only official person an inmate will talk to regarding their parole plans.

The Institutional Parole Officer is an employee of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles but does not have a vote in the parole process.  The role of the IPO is to interview the inmate and create a case summary based on the questions and responses during the interview which the voting members of the parole board will read before rendering a vote.  Since the inmate never meets with any of the voting members, this is sometimes the only information the voting members will have if a parole package is not completed.  The only contact the prisoner or their loved ones will have with the voting members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole is through any written documentation, such as a Texas Parole Packet.

There are approximately 200 Institutional Parole Officers in Texas who interview inmates at over 100 TDCJ units and 254 county jails across the state.  Most of their time is spent preparing detailed case summaries about the offender.  With over 150,000 inmates that means the IPOs do not have much time for interviews or to write a comprehensive case summary.

Because of that, a Texas Parole Presentation Package is extremely important and will provide the voting members of the board additional information not in the inmate’s case summary.

That is why a parole package is important in parole consideration process.  A parole package has to be more than just a letter pleading for the release of a loved one, it needs to contain information that shows that the prisoner is a person and not just a mug shot and a number. 

TexasParoleNow.com strongly recommends How to Prepare a Texas Parole Presentation Package.  Anyone can prepare an effective Texas Parole Packet. All they need is the information contained in our eBook, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet available as an instant downloadable and as a bundle of the eBook and a printed book (which can be sent to the person in prison to allow them to help with the preparation of the package)

Father's Day in prison is rough on both the man inside as well as the kids on the outside. Texas Parole Now urges you to go and visit the dad not only to help improve his spirits but also for the benefit of the children and to keep the family unit together as much as possible.

Every father wants nothing more than to be outside the walls.  However, if that is not possible then the next thing they want is to know that the people on the outside still love them and care about them.

It's not too late to start working on their parole package and to send them a copy of our book How to Prepare a Texas Parole Presentation Package at the same time as you work on their parole paperwork on the outside using the downloadable ebook that is included in the price.

In 2012, 81,638 inmates were considered for parole.  Of those, only 29,689 were approved.  That means the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole approved just 36.8% of the inmates who were up for parole.   On average each parole office decides over 16,000 parole reviews per year, roughly 310 per week or almost 63 per day.  These numbers do not include the additional thousands of cases in which the board is considering an inmate for mandatory supervision.

Based on these numbers, it is clear the members of the Parole Board have an overwhelming workload regarding granting or denying parole.  Given these staggering numbers, it is hard to know how closely they are able to look at each individual case beyond a quick look at the case summary and criminal history.  Often information relevant to deciding whether someone should be granted parole is not captured by the IPO who created the case summary.

That is why a complete and properly prepared parole package is important.  A properly prepared parole packet can allow a chance to present the person in a completely different light. It can allow you to change the perception from a "file and number" to that of a person with hopes, dreams, good points, and loved ones on the outside waiting for them.

Anyone can prepare an effective Texas Parole Packet. All they need is the information contained in our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet available as both as an instant downloadable and as a bundle of the eBook and a printed book (which can be sent to the person in prison to allow them to help with the preparation of the package).

A question most asked of potential parolees is “How does the Parole Board make their decisions about parole?”

The members of the Texas Parole Board use a set of parole guidelines in order to obtain a score for an offender.  For years, the Parole Board has been using a two-prong guideline to determine an offender’s likelihood of parole.  The guidelines contain two major sections:  the Risk Assessment Instrument and the Offense Severity Class.  These work together to provide an offender’s likelihood of parole in a single score.  In appearance, the guidelines are objective, but the actual application appears to be completely subjective, with parole being granted and/or denied to different offenders with apparently the same scores.

It is important to note that these are only guidelines and the results of the formula does not necessarily mean a vote will go one way or the other.  Parole board members have a lot of leeway when making the decision to grant or deny parole and frequently will vote outside the guidelines.   

In the Texas Administrative Code Title 27 Public Safety and Corrections Chapter 145 Rule 145.3 states that parole is a privilege not a right and the parole board has complete discretion to grant or deny parole.   The rule also states there are no mandatory rules or guidelines that must be followed in every case because each offender is unique.   Each board member has a duty to make release decisions which are in the best interest of society and the use of the parole guidelines are a tool to aid in their decision making process.

Because the rule stresses this discretionary decision making process, there is little evidence to show or prove that a parole board member violated any law or rule if parole is denied to an offender. 

While this can be frustrating, the same process can also work to an offender’s advantage.  The focus on the need to evaluate a case on an individual basis means that a parole package can play an important role in helping to obtain parole.  By presenting a complete and thorough parole package including a viable parole plan, support letters, proof regarding the changes the offender has undergone during their incarceration, education, and other relevant information, it is possible to obtain a favorable vote.  

We understand that most families find the lack of clear guidance on what will get the parole board to vote a certain way can be very frustrating.  However, submitting a complete parole package can greatly increase the offender’s chance for parole.  Anyone can prepare an effective Texas Parole Packet. All they need is the information contained in our eBook, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet available as both as an instantly downloadable eBook and as a bundle of the eBook and a printed book (which can be sent to the person in prison to allow them to help with the preparation of the package).

When an offender is denied parole by the Texas Parole Board they receive a generic standardized reason for the denial.  The standardized reasons provide some insight into what they find important when making a decision for parole.

• Criminal History – Indicates a predisposition to commit criminal acts, gang activity, felony arrests or misdemeanor offenses.
• Nature of the Offense – Indicates one or more violent acts indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety or property of others.
• Drug or Alcohol Involvement – Offender’s record indicates excessive drug or alcohol involvement.
• Institutional Adjustment – Offender’s record indicates there have been major disciplinary offences during the last six months or a pattern of infractions since the last review.
• Adjustment During Periods of Supervision – the offender had unsuccessful periods of previous supervision while on probation or parole.
• Participation in TDCJ-CID Programs – The offender refuses to participate or complete TDCJ-CID programs.
• Time Served – The offender has not served enough time.
• Felony Offense – The offender has been charged with a felony committed while incarcerated.

Often, more than one of these reasons apply but the board responds with only one reason.  Some of the reasons are vague and subjective; however, it does provide information on what the offender can do to increase their chances for parole.  

While a family member may read the denial list and feel parole is not reachable for their loved one,  all hope is not lost.  It is our experience that by presenting a complete and thorough Texas Parole Presentation Packet, offenders can increase their chances for parole even though one or more reasons for denial may apply.  

A good Parole Package provides reasons why an offender should be granted parole.  Anyone can prepare an effective Texas Parole Packet. All they need is the information contained in our eBook, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet available as both as an instantly downloadable eBook and as a bundle of the eBook and a printed book (which can be sent to the person in prison to allow them to help with the preparation of the package).

In Texas, the date of theoretical parole eligibility depends primarily on whether the offense is "3g or non 3g".

So what does the term 3g mean?

3g is a shorthand way of saying that an offense is considered aggravated under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 42.12 (3) (g). The crimes under this section are:

1. Capital Murder,
2. Murder,
3. Indecency with a Child by Contact,
4. Aggravated Kidnapping,
5. Aggravated Sexual Assault,
6. Aggravated Robbery,
7. Sexual Assault,
8. Injury to a Child,
9. Injury to an Elderly Person,
10. Injury to a Disabled Individual,
11. Sexual Performance by a Child,
12. Criminal Solicitation and
13. Any crime where a "Deadly Weapon" was used during, before or after the offense

A conviction of any of the above crimes, or any that are added later to that section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, means that rather than the "offender" being eligible for parole after receiving credit for one quarter of their sentence, instead they must actually do 50% of their sentence before being eligible. Note that this is 50% "flat time" of their sentence and not 50% including credits. As an example, if the offender received a 10 year sentence that was "aggravated" or "3g" then they aren't eligible to even be considered for probation until they have actually served 5 years of their sentence.

However, even though the offender may have a 3g offense and have to do 50% of their time, they can still do things while in prison which can help them make parole as early as possible. Attending school, staying out of trouble, and generally improving themselves all count as showing the voting members of the Parole Board that the offender has rehabilitated themselves.

Also, preparing an effective parole package to present to the Parole Board can make a huge difference and greatly affect the chances for parole, particularly since Texas does not have face to face parole board hearings. While many people are intimidated at the thought of presenting information to the parole board, anyone can prepare an effective Texas Parole Packet. All they need is the information contained in our eBook, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet available as both as an instantly downloadable eBook and as a bundle of the eBook and a printed book (the printed book can even be sent to the person in prison to allow them to help with the preparation of the package).

This may seem a little elementary but the #1 mistake people make when preparing a Texas Parole Packet either for themselves or for a friend or family member is easily avoided.

First, some of you may not be aware of what a parole packet does. We'd encourage you to read a couple of our other articles so that you are aware of how the system works. The ones we suggest you read first are :

1. How Does the Texas Parole Board Make Their Decisions, and
2. Parole Interviews in Texas.

The reason these articles are important is that many people believe the parole system works the way they see it in movies and television and it absolutely does not.

The Texas Parole procedures are entirely different and anyone preparing a parole packet in Texas, whether it be a layman or a Texas Parole Attorney should be aware of how things really work.

The parole packets are actually not that difficult to prepare. Some people want to hire a parole attorney in Texas to help them, and we certainly encourage that if it is at all possible but if finances prevent this (and almost everyone's finances are tight right now) then we encourage you to order our instantly downloadable e-book How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet which contains forms, instructions and examples for all of the different parts of the packet. The book is available in a digital format or in a bundle containing a printed book and a digital download of the book. The printed copy can be sent to you or the person in prison so that they can assist in working on their own materials.

Back to the #1 mistake people preparing a parole packet make.

They don't have a clear purpose or clear plan when they put the packet together.

Without a cohesive theme or purpose behind the packet then the effort is not as valuable as it could be because the packet will come across as a jumble of unorganized papers.

Our book explains what we feel the primary purpose of the parole packet should be and explains how to prepare and organize the packet with this purpose in mind. A clear objective in the preparation will allow each individual item in the packet to work together to achieve its goal, the release of the offender on parole.

Preparing a good parole packet can make the difference between an offender making parole or having to sit in prison another year.

So why haven't you done one?

Yes, we realize that if you are reading this then you aren't in prison but you have a loved one or at least a friend there or you wouldn't be visiting this website.

The Texas parole system is unique in that, unlike what you see on television or in the movies, the members of the parole board never actually meet the person whose fate they are deciding.

What happens in Texas is that as the vote approaches, a file is sent to at least two of the three voting members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. That file will contain the offender's information maintained by the prison including disciplinary records, information concerning the crime, and any classes taken. It will also contain a report prepared by an investigator for the Board, often after an interview with the prisoner that lasts only a few minutes. The file can also contain any information that the District Attorney's office or the police send.

It also contains the "mug shot" of the prisoner taken either at the time they were arrested or after they entered TDCJ when they are pale, tired, and all of their hair has been cut off. As you can imagine, this type of picture makes everyone look like a danger to society and also like every other prisoner.

That's it. The voting members make their decision based solely on what is in that file and without a parole packet prepared by someone that has a personal interest in the offender making parole then the chances that they will actually be released are probably even lower than the roughly 30% average chance.

That's why a Texas Parole Packet is so important!

By having a plan and taking a little time with the preparation of the packet the chances of being approved parole improve substantially.

Many people can't afford to hire a lawyer to handle the parole and don't believe that they are capable of doing one themselves, even if it means their loved one spends another year away from their family.

That fear of not being able to successfully prepare a parole packet is a fear that is absolutely unfounded.

Our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet, provides all of the information (plus a little more) that you need to prepare the packet. It explains why certain things are included in the packet, where to find information, and also provides specific forms and a format to follow. In addition, it provides copies of statutes and other information to provide background information on the whole process.

No one can guarantee any prisoner will make parole their next time up but by using the methods and ideas contained in our book, we can guarantee that anyone who can read can prepare a good packet and that a good parole packet increases the chances of success.

How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet is available as an instantly downloadable ebook in PDF format, or as a bundle containing both the ebook and a printed copy which can be sent to the person ordering it or can be sent into the prison so that the offender can assist in preparing the packet. This not only increases the quality of the packet but also provides a task to pass the time while they are incarcerated and gives them a goal to work toward.

Click here to order your copy today!

The Parole Guidelines score is a major issue in whether a Texas parole is granted or denied by the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole.

On its face, it is extremely complicated to calculate although once you understand how it works it is actually pretty easy.

We discuss both how to do the calculation and how to present it in our book How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet and we are working on an online calculator for this website which will allow someone to enter the data and the calculations will be performed automatically. Unfortunately, the scores are based on data provided by the State of Texas and they occasionally change the data which requires us to rework the program so as of now the online calculator isn't effective and the score must be calculated using pen and paper.

Parole Guidelines Score

The Parole Guidelines score has numerous factors to be considered. These include:

STATIC ITEMS

Age at First Commitment to a Juvenile or Adult Correction Facility

26 or older

18 to 25

17 or under

History of Supervisory Release Revocations

No probation, parole or mandatory supervision

One revocation

More then one revocation

Prior Incarcerations (Adult or Juvenile)

None

1 or 2

3 or more

Employment or Educational History

At least 6 months of continuous full-time employment or school attendance two years before incarceration

Less than six months of continuous full-time employment or school attendance two years before incarceration

DYNAMIC FACTORS

Inmate's Current Age

Under 25

25-34                                                      

35-44                                                      

45 or over

Active Prison Gang Membership

Yes 

No

Completed GED or high school diploma since incarceration or any time before

Yes 

No

Disciplinary Conduct

Has not lost good time or bonus time in the last 18 months

Has been demoted below entry status or lost good/bonus time in the last 18 months

Zero balance of good time on record

Current custody level

Minimum out

Minimum in

Medium, close custody or ad seg

SCORING

A score of 0 to 5 makes an offender a low risk prospect for release.

A score of 6 to 8 makes an offender a medium risk prospect for parole.

A score of 9 to 11 makes an offender a high-risk prospect for parole.

A score of 12 or better makes an offender a very high-risk prospect

There is also an additional score which is factored in depending on the exact crime which resulted in the conviction. Unfortunately, there are hundreds if not thousands of these.

The way this is scored is preset points are assigned for each possible answer under the items above and  the points are then added together to determine the Parole Guidelines Score and indicate what risk level and prospect the offender is for release on parole.

We did not put the points for each category above as they change periodically but the correct and current scores and a more detailed (but easy to understand) explanation of the calculations is contained in our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet which is available in both an instantly downloadable ebook format or as a bundle containing a printed copy and a digital copy. The printed copy can be mailed anywhere including to an offender in prison.

Another point in conclusion. We find it is effective to make the Parole Guidelines Score calculations and include them in the parole packet. The method for doing so is also set out in our book.

A Word of Warning:  I have seen several website that explain the Parole Guidelines scores incorrectly or use old data and points for the scoring. Before relying on or using any information you find on the web be sure you verify whether it is current and accurate!

While we continue to update and offer our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet, in both a bundle containing our printed version that can be sent to you or to someone in prison and an ebook that is instantly available or as a standalone ebook/digital download formats we have also completed the ebook Understanding the Texas Parole Process and it is now available for download at this link.

Understanding the Texas Parole Process is an ebook which explains, in easy to understand terms, how the parole process in Texas works from beginning until the offender makes parole.

Best of all, this ebook is available for instant download and is absolutely free!

Note, this book does not explain how to prepare a parole packet for those people hoping to make parole from a Texas prison. Our book How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet does that and it is still for sale.

Instead, Understanding the Texas Parole Process will explain how the mechanics of the system operate, the terms that are used, as well as what you can and can't expect from the process.

This free ebook is just one way we thank all of the readers of this website.

HOW THIS WORKS: When you click on the link to Understanding the Texas Parole Process you will be taken to the listing for this book on the website of our publisher, RebellionBooks.com. You click on the orange Add to Cart button and then walk through the remaining steps to complete the transaction. It looks like a standard shopping cart but you will not be billed anything for the book! After completing the process you will receive an email with instructions and a link to download the PDF file. If you don't receive the email with the download link within a few minutes please check your SPAM folder in your email program because sometimes the email with the link will be intercepted by your email system.

Once again, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet is still being sold for its regular price but Understanding the Texas Parole Process is completely free and there is no other purchase required to download it.

We have always maintained here at TexasParoleNow.com that if you can afford a parole attorney it is a worthwhile investment. 

However, we have started to see a number of websites popping up in which people offer to prepare parole packets for you for a fee. Many of these state specifically that they are not attorneys and others hint that they have attorneys working there although from what we have seen that appears very unlikely.

These companies may do good work but as in all things you see on the internet be very, very careful. As the old saying goes Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware).

While some have testimonials on the website, there is no way to guarantee that they are from real customers. Nor are you able to know whether the person would have made parole anyway, whether the packet was done correctly and professionally, and whether it ever made it into the hands of the voting members.

There are many people out there who are perfectly willing to take advantage of a family who misses their loved one and it is very hard to check these type of places out before you invest the money and even harder to get the money back once you do so.

There are likely some attorneys out there who would be willing to just prepare the parole packet, but not actually sign on to represent the offender, for the same price as these places operating without an attorney on board.

We feel that the two best choices you can make in helping someone make a Texas parole are to either hire a Texas parole attorney or to prepare the parole packet yourself, either with our book or without.

No one will care as much as you do about getting your loved one home on parole and many people are only concerned about taking your money at a time when you likely can't afford to spend any more than you have to!

There seem to be more and more websites popping up where they are offering to prepare a Texas parole packet to assist with getting a parole application approved.

This is raising a considerable question in my mind as to who is doing the work for these firms and exactly how good and, more importantly how effective, are the packets prepared by these services.

TexasParoleNow.com has been online since 2009, although work on our book started well before that date. At one time we considered starting a service to prepare packets and then decided not to for a number of reasons, mainly that the time required to prepare a packet correctly and also to keep up on all the changes in the Texas parole system would be daunting and would price the product in the area where a parole attorney could be hired.

Also, we feel that anyone who has an actual interest in a person making parole can do a better job than any other non-attorney can. By using our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet, with its forms and instructions you can do a better job than these other places who are just trying to make a quick buck off of a family that is already facing hardships.

In essence, a parole packet is simply a way to humanize the person seeking parole and to make the voting members of the parole board realize they are making a decision on a human's freedom rather than just voting based on a prison record, information submitted by law enforcement, and a mug shot (which is always awful).

A good parole packet has a variety of information in it including support letters, all with a specific reason for being in there, records of the offender which demonstrate the good side of them, and certain other materials which can convince the parole board that the person is likely to obey all rules and successfully complete their term of parole.

Before investing money with a company that does not have a parole attorney on staff to prepare the parole packet we hop you will consider doing it yourself.

No one cares about your loved one making parole as much as them and you.

For forms, instructions, and tips to help you be effective we hope you will consider our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet, available as an ebook, or as a bundle consisting of an ebook and a printed copy. The printed copy can be mailed to you or can be sent to the person who is incarcerated. Be sending a printed copy to them they can assist in the preparation of their packet and, in addition, it helps them to pass the time while they are away from home. We also have the printed copy available by itself through Amazon.com at this link. The advantage to buying through this website rather than Amazon is that the ebook format allows you to cut and paste the forms directly to the word processor saving you both time and effort.

In addition to the book on preparing the parole packet, we also offer a free e-book available for instant download, Understanding the Texas Parole Process, which explains how the system works in Texas. This book does not provide information on how to prepare the parole packet but it does provide some tips on things the person can do while incarcerated which will help them make parole when the time comes. We offer this book as a service to the families and because most of the material out there is either wrong, outdated, or hard to understand.

Our e-book Understanding the Texas Parole Process  is now available for immediate download on the website that handles our distribution, RebellionBooks.com. To make it even better we have decided to offer it for free!

You will still walk through the same process as if you were buying a book so don't be rattled by that, but the price on the book will be set at $0.00.

Please note, this book explains how the Texas Parole process works. It addresses the system, some things the offender can do to make parole more likely, and what someone can expect from the system.

The free book does not explain how to prepare a parole packet and doesn't provide the forms. Those will still be for sale in both digital and printed form for our regular low price and through the same website.

Understanding the Texas Parole Process can be an invaluable aid and covers what offenders can expect from the first day they enter the system all the way through their actual parole when they walk out of the gates a (mostly) free person.

We decided to do this free book because we have discovered that many people who need to be familiar with parole aren't and don't know where to go to find information.

Again, the free book, Understanding the Texas Parole Process is available at this link and our book on How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet is for sale at this link for the digital/e-book version and this link for the bundle containing the printed book and the e-book. We can still send the printed version of How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet into the prison so the potential parolee can work on the packet from inside while you use the digital book to prepare the packet on the outside!

We are exploring the possibility of offering a short, online seminar (known as a webinar) to interested persons. It will be aimed at those who have purchased our book How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet although a purchase isn't going to be required to attend the webinar.

In the webinar we will cover the basics of the parole system in Texas as well as the purpose of a parole packet, the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a Texas parole lawyer, and why preparing a parole packet is important.

The webinar will be free for all attendees.

If you are interested, please feel free to drop us a line at this email and we will start making a list and will advise you as to the schedule. Also, if there is something special you want covered, let us know in the email and we will try to add it to the list.

Over the years of working on this website we've been contacted by a number of people who are, for good reason, worried about their loved one making parole.

Almost every time the first problem with which they are concerned is the family doesn't have the funds to hire a parole lawyer and don't know how they can help with parole.

A parole packet is the best thing you, or anyone else, can do to help make parole.

Our calculations show that the average time spent on any one parolee by the members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole is just a few minutes, so isn't it important that they see something other than a police report and a mug shot?

Parole in Texas is different than in other states. For instance, it is extremely rare that a voting member of the Parole Board actually meets the person whose fate they are deciding. It doesn't work like the movies, there is no meeting where the people who cast the votes actually sit down and visit or interview with the potential parolee. All they see before they vote is what is contained in the file in front of them.

Making a parole packet isn't as hard as you would think, since what you are really doing is trying to get the parole board to see the prisoner as a person rather than a number and a mug shot.

There are a number of ways to do this, many of which are just common sense.

In our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet, available as an ebook or as a bundle which includes the ebook and a printed copy (which can be mailed into the prison so the prisoner can assist in the preparation of the packet) we explain how the system works, the strategy we believe is effective in getting a positive parole vote, and exactly how to prepare a packet. The book includes forms, examples, as well as the latest statistics and addresses. We also include a copy of the pertinent laws, statutes, and rules for easy reference.

It's important that the prisoner do as much as possible to help with their parole and we offer tips in the book and throughout this website of steps they can take while incarcerated to increase their chances. However, it's important to start working on their parole as soon as they are incarcerated since last minute work isn't as effective as a well thought out plan that starts early and is followed until the person walks free!

The most common reason for not submitting a parole packet in support of someone in prison seeking parole is that the person "didn't think they could do it".

The simple fact is that something beats nothing when it comes to making parole.

One of the reasons we offer our free e-book, Understanding the Texas Parole Process, is so that anyone who wants to take the time to download it (and there are a lot of people taking advantage of the offer) will at least understand how the process works and that will help them at least a little.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to hire a Texas parole lawyer which is, of course, the best solution if you have someone in prison who is trying to make parole. Since the lawyers don't offer a money back guarantee, many people just don't want or can't afford to take a chance on spending $2500 or more to hire a parole attorney to prepare the packet.

Our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet, goes into detail about presenting the potential parolee in the best light and includes instructions, forms, and example so that anyone who wants to do a Texas parole packet themselves can certainly do so. 

However, even if a person chooses not to hire a lawyer or not to buy the book, they can still send letters of support to the parole board, pictures of the person when they are not in prison showing that they have a family that loves them and perhaps even a letter from an employer assuring the voting members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole that the offender has a job waiting for them on their release.

When the member of the parole board votes, they have the file available to them filled with information from the prison, the police, and the District Attorney so almost anything that a family member can send in support of their loved one increases the likelihood that they will receive a favorable vote.

Of course, we give specific examples in the book as to what we think works best and why, but everyone should have the time to at least write a letter explaining why they believe their loved one should make parole.