Does the Parole Board Have Discretion in Parole Release?
Since our last report in 1998 only a few boards have had any changes in their discretionary authority. Most of this material is a repeat of the 1997 report. The changes that have occurred since 1997 have been underlined. ALABAMA – YES – Comment: The Board cannot parole on life w/o parole or some other sentences that carry a mandatory term before they can be granted parole. ALASKA – YES ARIZONA – YES, VERY LIMITED – Comment: Only have discretion for those who committed an offense prior to January 1, 1994. ARKANSAS – YES, VERY LIMITED – Comment: Only discretion for cases whose crimes were committed prior to 1994. There are about 10,000 of these inmates still in the system. CALIFORNIA – YES, VERY LIMITED – Comment: Only had 10 paroled in 1997. COLORADO – YES – Comment: 5 year max. parole period. We now have life time supervision for sex offenders. CONNECTICUT – YES – Comment: Inmates with sentences exceeding two years who have been convicted of non-capitol felonies. DELAWARE -YES, VERY LI
