Q

How many votes does it take to get parole in Texas?

    For the majority of cases for an offender to be granted parole they must receive two votes in favor of parole.  The exception are Senate Bill 45 cases, these are certain extremely serious offenses for which an offender must receive positive votes from two thirds of the seven parole board members.  The majority of cases are assigned to a parole panel at the regional parole office.  The parole panel is composed of two parole board commissioners and one parole board member at the regional office.  When the offender’s file is received by the office it will be assigned to a lead voter.  The lead voter casts their vote and if the next voter agrees and casts the same vote the decision is final.  If the second voter disagrees then the third voter will cast the final vote.

    It is our practice to always request a meeting with the lead voter if we are representing an offender.  If the voter grants us a meeting we bring in witnesses from our clients support system.  It is our experience that the lead voter is often the determinative vote.  We submit our parole packet in advance for them to review and believe that every opportunity to explain why our client is an excellent candidate for parole will help our clients.  If you are trying to help someone with parole in Texas please call our toll free number 888-661-5030 or fill out an online contact form and an experienced Texas parole attorney will call you shortly.  Our parole practice takes us across the State and our clients have families in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, McAllen, Fort Worth, Galveston and many other cities across the State.