When you’re facing conviction for criminal charges, it can feel as though your trial is the end of your options. But the trial is just another step in the criminal legal process in Alabama. This blog answers some of the most common questions about Montgomery, Alabama parole and pardons, plus the many legal options available to individuals convicted of criminal charges.
Individuals convicted of criminal charges can apply for a pardon from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles after completing their sentence or serving at least three months on parole.
For cases involving the State of Alabama, applicants may also receive remission for fines and forfeitures.
Some individuals can restore their voting rights after a felony conviction if they receive a pardon. There are specific criteria that applicants must meet, such as:
If you want to restore your voting right after receiving a pardon, work with experienced appellate attorneys for guidance.
Inmates can reapply for a pardon after a trial but must wait until two years have passed from the date of the denial. If someone reapplies before two years have passed, the board will automatically deny the application.
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles determines whether a convicted individual is eligible for a full pardon with the restoration of all civil and political rights or pardon with restrictions. In general, the charges in your case dictate whether you receive a full pardon or not.
Parole is a conditional release for inmates. The remainder of a sentence is served under supervision by a parole officer. It isn’t a right but must be applied for and awarded by a board. If the conditions of parole aren’t met, it can be revoked. Individuals must serve the remainder of their sentence in prison in those circumstances.
The parole board can set a new date for another parole by issuing the result “denied with reset.” The new parole hearing cannot be more than two years from the date of denial for non-violent crimes and more than five years for all other charges.
In cases where the board denies parole without a reset, an inmate won’t receive another hearing for the remainder of their sentence.
Mandatory release applies to convictions after 2016, excluding life sentences and sexual offenses involving children. They automatically trigger an inmate’s release a certain number of months before the end of their sentence.
The term of the original sentence dictates the mandatory release, from three months for sentences of five years or less to 24 months for sentences of ten years or more. A law firm with experience in pardons and paroles in Montgomery, AL, can guide your mandatory release eligibility.
After a criminal conviction, the most well-known courses of action are pardons and paroles in Montgomery, AL. However, they’re not your only options and may not even be your best options, depending on your case. Some alternatives include:
The Maxwell Tillman team of trial lawyers works with clients to provide them with guidance and insight about their best post-conviction options.
Maxwell Tillman are trial lawyers in Montgomery with a 97.7 percent success rate with personal injury trials. We’re not afraid to take on powerful insurance companies to fight for individuals’ rights. Our practice areas include civil rights, criminal defense, and criminal appeals. You don’t have to navigate the legal system on your own. Get guidance and insight into your post-conviction options from Alabama’s top-rated appeal attorney, Leroy Maxwell.
Whatever criminal charges you’re facing, we’re here to help. Use our 24/7 inmate hotline for help with pardons and paroles in Montgomery, Alabama.
