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    Parole Overview

    Learn more about the parole interview process in Pennsylvania. 

    Overview

    The parole process is best described as a series of steps not only for the inmate as he/she prepares for the parole interview, but also for the Parole Board itself as it reviews and processes hundreds of cases each month. Understanding the nuances of the parole process can be challenging. This section examines the key phases of the overall parole process.

    View a PDF of the parole process

    Parole interview process 

    During the parole interview process, decision makers review information related to the inmate’s time in a correctional facility. 

    According to §6135(a) of the Parole Code, the Parole Board shall consider the following factors when a person is eligible for parole:

    • The nature and circumstances of the offense committed
    • Any recommendations made by the trial judge and prosecuting attorney
    • General character and background of the inmate
    • Participation by an inmate sentenced after Feb. 19, 1999, and who is serving a sentence for a crime of violence as defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(g) (relating to sentences for 2nd and subsequent offenses) in a victim impact education program offered by the DOC
    • Written or personal statement of the testimony of the victim or the victim's family submitted under section 6140 (relating to victim statements, testimony and participation in hearing)
    • Sentencing hearing testimony notes, if any, plus additional information about the nature and circumstances of the offense committed for which sentence was imposed as may be available
    • Person’s conduct while in prison, history of physical, mental and behavioral conditions, family violence, and complete criminal record

    Certain types of parole don’t require an interview. For example, Short Sentence Parole (SSP) eligible inmates don’t require an interview. 

    Parole application 

    If parole is initially denied, an application can be submitted on an inmate’s behalf. 

    A parole application is a written request seeking parole consideration from the Parole Board by an inmate. The inmate or his/her attorney should use the Parole Board’s official Parole Application Form (PB 41) for submission.

    The PA Parole Board is not required to consider an application that is submitted:

    1. Six months prior to the inmate’s minimum sentence date; or
    2. Within periods specified by the date a Board Action was recorded after a parole interview or hearing, per 61 Pa.C.S. § 6139.

    The parole application should be mailed to: 

    PA Parole Board, RAO Office
    1101 South Front St., Suite 5300
    Harrisburg, PA 17104

    After the application is received, it will be reviewed for eligibility.