Myths & Truths about the Parole process

North Carolina Department of Public Safety

Myths and Truths about the Parole Process

Myth: The Parole Commission meets as a group in a formal hearing to decide whether an offender should be paroled.
Truth: The commissioners conduct an individual review of the offender's file and vote independently.

Myth: Offenders apply for or request parole.
Truth: Inmates become eligible for parole according to governing laws at the time of the offense.

Myth: The Governor can overturn the Parole Commission's decisions.
Truth: The Commission has exclusive authority in parole matters. There is no appeal process.

Myth: The Parole Commission meets face to face with the offender during the parole review process.
Truth: The Commission does not meet with the offender. Parole decisions are based on information in offenders' case files that was requested and/or received, information from the Division of Prisons, and views of victims, family members, and any other interested parties.

Myth: Commissioners place incarcerated offenders in community based programs (work release, home leaves, etc.)
Truth: The Commission has no jurisdiction over the placement of offenders in community-based programs while they are incarcerated. The Commission gives final approval for work release placement in Life sentence cases, but takes action only after receiving a recommendation from the Division of Prisons.

Myth: All of the Commissioners must agree to deny or approve parole for offenders.
Truth: The majority of the Commission - two members - must agree to deny or approve parole for all eligible offenders.

Myth: The Commission doesn't have to review cases every year.
Truth: Once an offender has met parole eligibility requirements, the Commission must review the case at a minimum of once per year.

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Historical Perspective
The Review Process
Parole Process: Myths and Truths
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