How Do You Get Released for Parole?

Waiting for a parole decision is one of the most stressful experiences a person and their family can go through. You may have questions about when you become eligible, what the board looks for, and what happens if parole is denied or revoked. South Carolina has its own rules governing when and how inmates can be released on parole, and understanding the process can help you or your loved one prepare.

At Kinard Law Group, our attorneys handle criminal defense and post-conviction matters across South Carolina, including parole hearings, revocation cases, and appeals before the state parole board.

The Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (DPPPS)

The Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (DPPPS) oversees parole decisions in South Carolina. The Board of Paroles and Pardons, which operates within the DPPPS, consists of seven members, one from each congressional district in the state.

Factors Considered By the Parole Board for Eligibility

The parole board does not grant release automatically once an inmate becomes eligible. Your case is subject to review, and many factors shape the board’s decision on whether supervised release serves the interests of the public:

• Nature and severity of the original offense
• Length of sentence served
• Institutional behavior and disciplinary record
• Participation in rehabilitation and educational programs
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment history
• Risk assessment scores
• Input from victims and law enforcement
• Strengths of the proposed reentry plan

Parole Board Hearing Process

The hearing process follows a structured sequence under South Carolina Code § 24-21-620. Each stage plays a part in determining whether you return to your family and community:

• Eligibility review: The DPPPS confirms that the inmate has served the required portion of their sentence and qualifies for a hearing before the board.
• Case file preparation: The board reviews institutional records, disciplinary history, rehabilitation progress, and risk assessment scores ahead of the hearing.
• Victim notification and input: Victims and their families receive notice of the hearing and may submit written statements or appear in person to address the board.
• Hearing presentation: You or your attorney presents evidence of rehabilitation, a reentry plan, community support, and any other factors that support release.
• Board decision: The board votes to grant parole with specific conditions, deny parole, set a future rehearing date, or defer the decision for additional review.

Conditions of Parole

Every parolee in South Carolina must follow specific conditions set by the parole board as part of their supervised release. Violating any condition, even a minor one, can trigger the revocation process and put your freedom at risk:

• Reporting regularly to a parole officer
• Maintaining approved employment or enrollment in education
• Submitting to drug and alcohol testing
• Staying within geographic boundaries set by the board
• Avoiding contact with victims or known offenders
• Attending required treatment or counseling programs
• Paying restitution or court-ordered fees

Contact a South Carolina Parole Lawyer

A parole hearing or revocation proceeding can determine whether you spend years behind bars or return to your family and community. The stakes are too high to face alone, and having someone who knows the parole board’s process and expectations can change the direction of your case.

Call Kinard Law Group at 803-359-1003 or contact us online to schedule a case review with a South Carolina parole attorney who will examine the details of your situation, prepare you for what lies ahead, and work toward the best possible outcome on your behalf.