How Parole Works for Inmates in New Jersey

So you’re wondering how parole works for inmates in New Jersey? Well let me break it down for you. Parole can be a confusing process, with a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo, but I’ll try to explain it in simple terms.

First off, what is parole? Parole is when an inmate is released from prison early under supervision. So they serve part of their sentence locked up, and the rest of it out in the community, as long as they follow certain rules.

In New Jersey, the State Parole Board decides who gets parole. They consider stuff like how severe the original crime was, the inmate’s record in prison, whether they seem likely to reoffend, etc. If parole is granted, the inmate signs an agreement to follow conditions like checking in regularly with a parole officer, obeying curfews, staying employed, not committing new crimes, all that jazz.

Parole Eligibility

Now parole eligibility works a little differently depending on the type of sentence the inmate got. Let’s break it down:

For inmates serving a specific term – say 5 years – they’ll typically be eligible for parole after serving 1/3 of their sentence. So in that case, after 20 months. Exceptions are inmates convicted of certain violent crimes like murder, who have to serve 85% of their sentence no matter what.

For inmates serving an indeterminate sentence with a minimum and maximum term – like 10 to 20 years – they’ll be eligible for parole after the minimum is served. So 10 years in that case.

Lifers – inmates serving life sentences – are eligible for their first parole hearing after 25 years. Then they get reviewed every few years after that. But getting parole for lifers is rare in NJ.

Parole Decisions

Now here’s the tricky part – just because an inmate is eligible for parole doesn’t mean they’ll get approved. The Parole Board can deny parole even if the eligibility requirements are met. They take a ton of factors into account when deciding.

Some of the main things they look at are:

• The circumstances of the original offense. Violent crimes or those involving weapons are less likely to get parole.
• The inmate’s criminal history. Repeat offenders have lower chances.
• Behavior and activities during incarceration. Inmates with clean discipline records who participate in rehab programs do better.
• Statements of remorse and accountability. The board wants to see the inmate takes responsibility.
• Reentry plan. Inmates with jobs, housing, family support lined up have an advantage.
• Risk assessment scores. The board uses statistical tools to determine recidivism risk.
• Input from the victim and prosecutors. Opposition from these parties can hurt chances.

So as you can see, the decision involves weighing a lot of different factors. Nothing is guaranteed either way. Some inmates sail through the process, while others get denied parole repeatedly.

Supervision While on Parole

If the Parole Board rejects an inmate for parole, they have to wait a certain amount of time – usually several years – before their next hearing. But if parole is approved, the inmate is released after a few weeks or months of planning.

So what happens when an inmate is paroled in New Jersey? Well the main thing is they’re supervised by a parole officer, who they have to check in with regularly. This P.O. monitors their compliance with whatever conditions the Parole Board set. These usually include things like:

• Reporting to their P.O. as scheduled – for some weekly or monthly. Missing appointments can lead to violations.
• Staying within approved areas – certain counties, states, etc. Travel restrictions are common.
• Obeying curfews – set times they have to be home each night.
• Avoiding certain people and places – like past victims, gang members, bars, etc.
• Staying employed – or in school, job training, etc. Unemployment can violate parole.
• Attending counseling – for drugs, anger management, etc. if ordered.
• Paying restitution – many have to pay back victims financially.
• Passing drug tests – random testing is standard. Failing one means trouble.
• Allowing home and vehicle searches – by parole officers at any time.

And of course they have to obey all laws and can’t be re-arrested. Even minor violations could mean a parole revocation hearing and return to custody. It’s like a tightrope walk staying in compliance.

Parole terms in New Jersey usually last from 1 to 5 years. Low-risk parolees with spotless records may discharge from supervision early. Lifers remain on parole for life if they’re ever released. Absconders – escapees – get no street time credit and parole continues when captured.

So in a nutshell, that’s the parole process. Eligibility, hearings, decisions, supervision, the whole shebang. It’s definitely complex with a lot of ins and outs. The Board has huge discretion in granting or denying parole. Inmates need a clean record and solid reentry plan to have a decent shot. Even then, approval is never guaranteed. But parole gives incarcerated people a chance to serve part of their time out from behind bars.

Hope this overview helps explain how parole works for New Jersey inmates. Let me know if you have any other questions! I know it’s a confusing system to navigate.