If you are facing a parole decision or current criminal charges, you are in the right place. The Law Firm of Abbi S. Taylor fights for individuals and families in the post-conviction process as well as in the courtroom. We give everything we have to fight for our clients' freedom. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you return home.
In Georgia, every individual serving a felony sentence in prison is considered for parole by the time he or she completes one third of his or her sentence (Parole Eligibility Date (“PED”) is equal to one-third of the prison sentence). A decision then is made concerning his or her release date. (Tentative Parole Month or “TPM”). The case will be considered even if it is still on appeal.
The file maintained by the Parole Board, regarding any given individual, contains material obtained from law enforcement, prosecutorial agencies, court officials, Georgia Department of Corrections officials, and victims. This material is not necessarily favorable or current and it is unlikely that an individual would want it to be the only information reviewed by the Parole Board when deciding his or her TPM. Unfortunately, an individual does not have an opportunity to speak to the Parole Board before it makes its decision.
I can ensure that, despite not having an opportunity to speak, with our assistance your voice will be heard and that favorable information is shared with the Parole Board.
You do not have to be represented by an attorney to be considered for any type of clemency in Georgia. However, having Abbi, an experienced parole attorney, by your side can help your case tremendously.
For example, our law firm can help ensure that your file contains accurate and positive information, challenge inaccurate material, and request reconsideration of previous decisions
The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles is a five-member panel assigned the power to grant pardons, paroles, and other forms of clemency. The Board has discretion to release inmates from imprisonment once an inmate has served part of his or her prison sentence.
The Parole Board uses Parole Decision Guidelines when determining whether or not an inmate should be released on parole. The Guidelines, also called the “grid system, weigh an inmate’s crime severity and his or her likelihood of success on parole”.
The Parole Board also has the sole constitutional authority in Georgia to commute death sentences to either life imprisonment or life without parole.
In Georgia, inmates serving a felony sentence in prison are automatically considered for parole by the time they reach their Parole Eligibility Date (PED) which is one-third of their prison sentence. No application is necessary. An inmate will be considered for parole even if the inmate’s case is on appeal.
Certain inmates are not eligible for parole. These cases include the following:
When considering parole, the Parole Board will review a recommendation of months, or a percentage of the sentence, that the inmate should serve. The recommendation is based on the Parole Decision Guidelines, which weighs the severity of the crime, the likelihood of reoffending, and the offender’s criminal and social history.
The Parole Board will then make a decision regarding the release date, which is called a Tentative Parole Month (TPM). However, a TPM is not a final decision. The Parole Board will complete its review of the case file and determine whether to set a release date at the TPM.
In Georgia, inmates may appeal parole decisions under two circumstances.
First, an inmate may ask the Parole Board to reconsider its decision if parole was denied, or they may ask for an earlier reconsideration date. A request for reconsideration will not be granted, however, unless the inmate has new and compelling information for the Parole Board.
Second, an inmate can request the Parole Board to correct an error in its calculation under the Parole Decision Guidelines. This request can be made if, for example, the Parole Board made an error in the risk to reoffend or an error in the crime severity level.
Individuals who are eligible for parole are not required to hire an attorney, however, hiring a parole attorney can help your chances of receiving a favorable parole decision. The Parole Board will review information provided by law enforcement, the prosecution, court officials, victims and the Georgia Department of Corrections. If you do not have a parole attorney, the Parole Board will not have the positive information you want them to consider.
A parole attorney can ensure that favorable information is shared with the Parole Board. For example, a parole lawyer can help ensure that your file contains accurate and positive information, challenge inaccurate material, and request reconsideration of previous decisions.
In Georgia, the Parole Board does not hold hearings before making parole decisions and does not allow people in prison to go before the Board to argue their case. The members of the Parole Board review each parole file individually, then each member casts his or her vote to grant or deny parole. The Board does not meet as a group to make parole decisions. Does a life sentence really mean a life sentence?
No, the Board does not currently conduct any in person hearings.
We can never guarantee that we will be successful and that your loved one will get parole, but we will work hard to the very best of our ability to reach a favourable decision. We have a very good success rate and evaluate a case before being hired. We do our very best to ensure that your loved one’s voice is heard and that all positive information and background is considered.
A loved one can earn Performance Incentive Credits by completing their case plan, working on some of the work details and other educational programs. Each point, up to 12 PIC points, can be awarded by the Board to take one month per point off of the established TPM. However, PIC points are discretionary, just like parole. The Board can choose to award credit for some, all or none of the person’s PIC points.
The family should contact a parole attorney straight away.
In addition to parole, our law firm defends all criminal cases at every stage in the process. From investigation through trial, appeals and habeas corpus petitions, we fight for your freedom.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need an experienced DUI attorney on your side.
Georgia law allows you to appeal your conviction or sentence.
We represent individuals who are facing parole hearings with the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Our law firm fights tirelessly for our client’s freedom, and we will do the same for you.
We have decades of experience representing individuals charged with violating the terms of their probation.
If you have questions about parole or other post-conviction proceedings, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation.
Over the years, we have had the honor of defending hundreds of clients in court and parole hearings. Here are just a few things they have to say about us.
Abbi is an amazing lawyer. We hired her for my dad’s parole/probation case. Abbi’s results exceeded our family’s expectations. Seeing her in action in the courtroom was inspiring. In addition, her office staff is extremely professional and responsive. Thank you, Abbi and Linda.
I originally retained Abbi to represent me before the State Board of Pardons and Parole and help me obtain an early parole date for a level 8 criminal conviction. While the Parole Board's guidelines for my crime required me to serve at least 65% of my sentence, the Parole Board granted me parole approximately 6 months early. I attribute this to the unwavering support of my family and Abbi's considerable efforts.
If I could rate Abbi Taylor@ 100 stars I would. Thank you Abbi Taylor and your staff for your professionalism, hard work and legal expertise in representing me. Your successful results with my being granted early parole was beyond all my expectations. I am thrilled and so grateful to be back home with my family and much earlier than I ever could have hoped for.
Abbi knows her stuff, is patient, thorough and compassionate. She took the time to explain the parole process in detail and provided support before, during and after the decision. I am very happy with the outcome but also the professionalism and responsiveness from Abbi and Linda. I Highly recommend this firm!
I came to Ms Taylor thinking that my criminal background was destroyed. I'm a responsible adult that made a bad decision at a very emotional time in my life. This lady has a great interaction with her clients. I was able to feel free to express what and why I needed her services. Sharp doesn't begin to describe her. I will never forget that she was sent by God to help me. You can not go wrong with Ms Taylor.
I can not speak more highly of Abbi and her abilities. I was finding myself very quickly in a quicksand situation and she was able to help come in to provide guidance, clarity and manage the situation. If you find yourself in a situation that you think even for a second might need some legal advice - please do not think to call anyone else but Abbi.
Contact our office today to begin the process of scheduling an initial case evaluation. Prior to scheduling your case evaluation, we will require the receipt of all necessary documents. Case evaluations are $250 and will be credited toward the cost of representation.
To assist us in developing the BEST strategy for your case, we need to review pertinent documents.
Our process is simple:
- You provide the necessary documents
- We evaluate the case status and strengths
- We present strategies for achieving your goals
In a 30-minute session, we provide an explanation of the relevant proceedings, help you prioritize available options, and provide a road map to move forward with our representation, including details about possible fees.
The meeting fee is non-refundable but will be credited if we are hired.
If you need assistance in gathering the necessary documents, please contact documentretrievals@gmail.com. The fees for this service are not affiliated with our representation.
This is a separate business that we use to obtain documents.
Suite 200, Kyleif Center
1479 Brockett Road
Tucker, GA 30084
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