Parole Preparation Project
Pro Bono Parole Appeals Representation
Represent incarcerated clients in appealing unlawful denials of parole.
Posted January 13, 2022
Background & Context
The Parole Preparation Project's pro bono project is aimed at increasing the availability of high quality, pro bono representation to incarcerated people appealing denials of parole.
The New York parole system incentivizes and permits parole commissioners to deny parole to men and women who have served long retributory sentences and have solid records of rehabilitation, remorse and insight. As a result, they remain behind bars for years beyond their minimum sentences. The Board denies parole to aging people, some of whom are very ill. Neither they nor society is served by their continued incarceration, yet their freedom rests entirely on the parole process. A broken parole system does not serve the welfare of our society.
Immediate Problem
The lack of legal resources to support people who have been unjustly denied parole insulates the Parole Board from scrutiny and prevents scores of parole-eligible people from returning home. For those serving indeterminate life sentences, an arbitrary and insulated parole system results in multiple years of unnecessary and unjust incarceration, and for some, death in prison.
Work & Deliverables
Lawyers represent incarcerated clients appealing parole denials in administrative appeals and if denied, CPLR Article 78 proceedings. Most clients are older adults (55+) who have served decades in prison.
Preparation Phase
- Review Appeals Manual
- Attend training
Collaboration Phase
- Draft an Administrative Appeal for PPP review
- Request and review the Parole File
- Introductory legal mail and legal call with client
- Put in a Notice of Appearance with the Parole Board Appeals Unit
- Volunteer to represent a recently denied parole applicant
- File the Administrative Appeal
- If denied, file an Article 78 Petition in NY Supreme Court
Wrap Up
- Advise client of outcome
Parole Preparation Project
The Parole Preparation Project (PPP) provides critical advocacy and direct support to currently and formerly incarcerated people serving life sentences, and seeks to transform the parole release process in New York State. Since 2013, PPP has trained over 600 community volunteers to work alongside more than 250 parole-eligible people as they prepare to go before the Board of Parole. Together, volunteers and applicants work in teams to develop solid release plans, create compelling advocacy materials, and practice interviewing skills. Nearly 60% of Project applicants who appear before the Board are granted release, compared to the statewide average of 35%. In addition to securing the release of parole-eligible people from prison, we work with partners across the state to advocate for a more transparent, just, and merciful parole release process; support currently and formerly incarcerated leaders of the prison and parole justice movements and amplify their voices and visions; and provide access to services and supportive communities for people returning home from prison.
Parole Preparation Project
The Parole Preparation Project (PPP) provides critical advocacy and direct support to currently and formerly incarcerated people serving life sentences, and seeks to transform the parole release process in New York State. Since 2013, PPP has trained over 600 community volunteers to work alongside more than 250 parole-eligible people as they prepare to go before the Board of Parole. Together, volunteers and applicants work in teams to develop solid release plans, create compelling advocacy materials, and practice interviewing skills. Nearly 60% of Project applicants who appear before the Board are granted release, compared to the statewide average of 35%. In addition to securing the release of parole-eligible people from prison, we work with partners across the state to advocate for a more transparent, just, and merciful parole release process; support currently and formerly incarcerated leaders of the prison and parole justice movements and amplify their voices and visions; and provide access to services and supportive communities for people returning home from prison.