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Georgia has automatic parole review—there is no formal parole application to fill out. The Board automatically reviews all eligible inmates as their parole eligibility date approaches.
However, this makes the materials you submit CRITICAL because they are the only information the Board considers beyond their standard records. There are NO in-person hearings—everything is decided based on written materials.
Georgia law requires the Board to review all inmates automatically when they become eligible. You don't apply for parole—you prepare materials to help the Board make an informed decision.
This system means you must be proactive in submitting comprehensive materials well before the eligibility date.
Georgia's parole approval rate is approximately 28% as of 2024. This is low because:
Good news: Thorough, specific, well-documented packets significantly improve your chances.
The Board uses a two-part process:
Even if risk scoring is unfavorable, strong materials demonstrating genuine rehabilitation and solid post-release plans can lead to approval.
The Parole Decision Guidelines are a matrix system that assigns points based on offense severity and risk factors. Higher scores indicate higher risk and lower likelihood of parole.
Key negative factors:
Key positive factors:
The Board begins reviewing cases approximately 5-6 months before the parole eligibility date. Materials submitted after this window have dramatically reduced impact because:
CRITICAL: Submit ALL materials at least 150 days (5 months) before the parole eligibility date.
Late submissions:
If you miss the deadline, focus on preparing a strong packet for the reconsideration hearing, which typically happens 12-60 months later.
Yes! Earlier is better. Submit materials as soon as they are complete. The Board maintains files and will have everything ready when review time comes.
Recommended timeline:
Residence verification happens AFTER tentative parole is granted but BEFORE actual release.
Process:
Important: Ensure homeowner and employer know verification calls are coming and have accurate information!
Quality over quantity! 5-7 strong, specific letters from diverse sources are better than 20 generic ones.
The Board can instantly spot template letters with generic praise. They want specific examples with names, dates, and numbers.
Prioritized list of ideal letter writers:
Avoid: People who barely know the inmate, people with criminal records, too many family members
Letter length limits (CRITICAL - exceeding gets them ignored):
The Board reviews thousands of letters. Concise, specific letters get read. Long, rambling letters get skimmed or ignored.
Strong letters:
Weak letters:
NO! Each letter must be specific to the individual inmate. Template letters are obvious and carry no weight.
Even if writing for siblings or friends, each letter must include:
Fatal mistakes that lead to denial:
AVOID these phrases:
USE these instead:
Add specificity:
Coordinate letter writers so each adds NEW information—no repetition!
If innocence has been consistently maintained throughout:
If guilt was admitted then later denied:
After denial:
Reconsideration timing:
You don't "apply again"—the Board automatically schedules reconsideration hearings. However:
Analyze what may have caused denial:
For reconsideration, emphasize:
Life sentence parole in Georgia:
Life sentence packets should especially emphasize:
Medical parole is a separate process but supporting materials help:
Note: Medical parole has its own application process separate from regular parole review.
Victim opposition carries significant weight. To address it:
Important: Never minimize victim harm or suggest victim is wrong to oppose. Acknowledge their right to oppose while showing readiness for release.
Gang validation:
Disciplinary infractions:
If you have questions not covered here: