Criminal Law
5 Things You Should Understand About The Australian Parole System

5 Things You Should Understand About The Australian Parole System

The Australian parole system is a godsend for many prisoners, because it helps them get out of jail sooner than they otherwise would have. However, it’s important for you to understand how the parole system works to make sure that maximise your chances of being approved when you apply for parole.

I’d recommend speaking with a criminal lawyer to help get your head around the details of the Australian parole system, especially if you’re in a position where you or someone close to you is applying for parole.

However, I’ve written this article to outline a few of the most important things that you should understand about the Australian parole system. These include:

  1. Know what parole is

Ultimately, a lot of people don’t understand what parole really is and might get into trouble. Essentially, it provides prisoners with the chance to integrate back into society once they are released from jail. For those who have spent a lot of time in prison, it gives them a chance to reform and rehabilitate themselves while under the watchful eye of prison and parole officers.

  1. Understand how the Parole Board operates

If you’re applying for parole then you will need to go through the Parole Board. Essentially, the Parole Board has two main functions:

  • To approve a prisoner for early release (parole) under certain conditions.
  • To return a prisoner to jail for breaching the conditions of their parole.

Essentially, the Parole Board is governed by the relevant state and federal legislation, which means that their decisions should be objective and based on the facts.

  1. Know what a non-parole period is

When someone is sentenced to jail in Australia the courts may impose a period of non-parole. Basically, this period is the time that a prisoner must spend in jail, regardless of their circumstances. Once the non-parole period is past, they may be released if granted parole.

  1. Understand the conditions of parole

The conditions of parole will vary according to your offence and the length of your prison term. However, it’s important to understand the conditions associated with your release. These might include no alcohol consumption, staying away from certain areas, and sticking to a nightly curfew.

  1. Criminal lawyers are very helpful

If you’re applying for or thinking about applying for parole, then you should definitely speak with your lawyer. Try and find a lawyer who works with parole applications regularly, and work alongside them to put together your application.

Doing this will maximise your chances of your parole application being approved. Similarly, a good lawyer will make sure that you understand your parole conditions, even if they’re a little confusing.

Final Word

Ultimately, it’s very important to make sure that you understand the Australian parole system and how it works if you’re thinking about applying for parole. Speak with your lawyer, do your research, and above all make sure that you don’t breach the conditions of your parole if you are let out – otherwise you might be forced to return to jail for the duration of your sentence.