What does the Commission consider when it makes a decision for or against parole?
By law, the Commission must consider the following criteria when making any decisions about parole: • The circumstances surrounding the crime; • The offender s physical, mental, and moral qualifications; • The offender s progress during confinement; • Whether there is a reasonable probability the offender will not violate the law if paroled; • Whether the offender s parole would be compatible with the welfare of society; • Any original or updated victim impact statement, and/or any information presented by the victim at a meeting with a Commissioner and/or at the time of an open parole hearing; and • Any sentencing judge s recommendation. In assessing these criteria, the Commission may also consider other relevant information, such as: • Prior criminal and juvenile record: • Prior substance abuse; • Attitude and emotional maturity; • Home and employment plans.
