Q

What is good conduct time? How does good time help someone get parole in Texas?

In Texas what is commonly referred to as “good time” is the additional days of credit given by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice based on an inmate’s behavior, as reflected in their classification status, and their choice to actively take part in work, vocational and educational programs offered in their unit.  Good conduct time is relevant for determining an inmate’s first eligibility date and for determining their mandatory release date.  An inmate who is not excluded because of their offence will have their first parole review when their actual calendar time plus their good time is equal to one fourth of their sentence.  Additionally, their mandatory release date is the date when their actual calendar time plus their good time is equal to their complete sentence.  As will be discussed at a later time an inmate’s mandatory release date no longer means they will be necessarily be released, in essence it is another review date for parole.  Although every inmate will see good time reflected on their time sheet it serves no practical purpose in determining parole eligibility for inmates serving 3(g) sentences.  Good time does not affect the length of an inmate’s sentence, if an inmate is sentenced to ten years they will be under supervision, either in prison or on parole, for those ten years.  Good conduct time can be taken away from inmates as a form of punishment.  If you have questions about good conduct time or how to help someone obtain parole please contact us.