Parole Eligibility Hearings in Las Vegas
Other Practice Areas
Contact Us
Parole Hearings in Las Vegas: What You Need to Know
At Spartacus Law Firm, we understand the high stakes involved when you’re dealing with Nevada’s parole system. Whether you’re preparing for a parole eligibility hearing or facing a possible parole revocation, having skilled legal counsel on your side can make all the difference. A parole hearing can determine your future—whether you remain incarcerated or have the opportunity to return to your life under supervised release.
Most people sentenced to prison in Nevada receive what’s called an indeterminate sentence—for example, 5 to 15 years. This means they are eligible for parole at the minimum term, in this case after 5 years. However, eligibility does not guarantee release. The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners must evaluate whether the inmate is a good candidate for release, and this is where representation becomes crucial.
At Spartacus Law Firm, we have been retained by incarcerated individuals and their families to represent them at parole eligibility hearings, helping present the strongest possible case for release. We prepare comprehensive packets, gather support letters, and provide advocacy during the hearing to help our clients demonstrate rehabilitation and readiness to reenter society. These hearings are often the best opportunity for an individual to transition from incarceration to supervised freedom, and they should not be approached without legal support.
Understanding Parole Eligibility in Nevada
Parole eligibility means that an inmate has served the minimum term of their sentence and may now request release under parole supervision. Eligibility is determined by the original sentence handed down by the court, and the actual parole grant decision is left to the Board of Parole Commissioners.
Factors the Board considers when determining eligibility include:
- The nature and severity of the original offense
- Inmate’s behavior and disciplinary record in prison
- Efforts toward rehabilitation (education, therapy, vocational programs)
- Risk assessment scores
- Input from victims or their families
- Support system available upon release
- Reentry plan, including employment and housing
While the Board reviews each case individually, these factors are weighted heavily. An inmate who has made strides toward reform can improve their chances dramatically with a well-prepared presentation and an experienced parole hearing attorney to guide them.
Common Conditions That Lead to Parole Violations
When you’re granted parole, you agree to follow specific conditions tailored to your case. Violating any of these terms can trigger a revocation hearing. Common parole conditions in Nevada include:
- Maintaining a curfew
- Staying drug- and alcohol-free
- Avoiding specified individuals or locations
- Completing education or job training programs
- Participating in counseling or rehab
- Wearing electronic monitoring devices
- Living in approved housing
- Submitting to regular drug or alcohol testing
- Keeping in touch with your parole officer
- Refraining from any criminal activity
If you violate any of these conditions, your parole status becomes vulnerable. Immediate legal intervention can make a difference in the outcome.
What Triggers a Parole Violation Hearing?
Parole hearings are initiated when the Board receives information suggesting you’ve breached your parole conditions. This can come from law enforcement, your parole officer, or even anonymous tips. Once the Board deems the allegation credible, it issues a written order for your arrest.
An arrest can occur with or without a warrant, as long as there is probable cause. After arrest, a detailed report is submitted to the Board, which reviews the circumstances and decides whether to move forward with a hearing.
The Probable Cause Review
Once taken into custody, you may be placed in county jail or under house arrest. A preliminary review is then held to determine whether probable cause exists to support the allegation. This hearing:
- Must occur within 15 working days of the arrest
- Can be held near the location of the arrest or alleged violation
- Is conducted by a neutral officer not involved in your case
During this process, you have the right to:
- Be represented by a lawyer
- Present documentation or testimony
- Cross-examine witnesses
If probable cause is found, the Board may either send you back to prison or place you under residential supervision until your full hearing.
The Full Parole Hearing Process
If the preliminary hearing finds enough evidence, a formal parole revocation hearing is scheduled. Unlike trials, these hearings don’t involve juries. Instead, Board members listen to arguments, assess the evidence, and make the final call.
You are entitled to legal representation during this process. If you can’t afford one, a public defender will be assigned. The Board only needs substantial evidence to revoke your parole, making the role of your defense attorney critical.
How Parole Hearings Are Scheduled Under Nevada Law
Once a preliminary review determines that probable cause exists, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners must act within a specific timeframe to schedule a formal hearing. Under NRS 213.215, the Board is required to move quickly in initiating the next steps.
If the individual was granted parole by the Nevada Board itself, the formal hearing process must begin within 15 days. However, if the parole was granted by another state and the person is currently under supervision in Nevada under NRS 213.215, then the Board has up to 30 days to take action.
These strict deadlines ensure that parolees are not left in legal limbo and that any potential violations are handled in a timely manner. At Spartacus Law Firm, we closely monitor these timeframes to ensure your due process rights are protected throughout the parole hearing process.
The detaining authority shall give the arrested parolee advance notice of the hearing.
The notice communicates the time, place and purpose of the hearing. It will also show the alleged violations of the conditions.
The Parolee shall appear in person to listen to the allegations and defend themselves. They have the opportunity of seeking direction from any appropriate person or documents.
The Parolee can question any person who appears against the parolee.
What happens to a Parole if they are found guilty of a violation under Nevada Law?
If there are reasons to believe that the Parolee violated their parole, the board according to NRS 213.1517 is at the discretion of:
Releasing the arrested parolee again upon parole
Ordering the placement of the parolee into residential confinement following the provisions of NRS 213.15193, 213.15195
Suspending his or her parole and return the parolee to confinement.
How Spartacus Law Firm Helps With Parole Eligibility Hearings
We offer full legal representation for individuals seeking parole once they become eligible. Our services include:
- Preparing detailed parole packets with evidence of rehabilitation
- Coordinating support letters from family, employers, community leaders, and clergy
- Preparing the client (and their family) for what to expect at the hearing
- Advocating on the client’s behalf during the hearing before the Parole Board
- Addressing any concerns the Board may raise during deliberation
Having counsel during a parole eligibility hearing shows the Board that the individual has a serious reentry plan and support system in place. It also ensures that their case is presented clearly and persuasively, with attention to detail and an understanding of what the Board is looking for in a parole candidate.
How Parole Hearings Are Conducted
Parole hearings, both for eligibility and revocation, are overseen by the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners. The panel usually consists of two members, though more may be present for serious cases such as life sentences or sex offenses. Decisions are made by majority vote, and in some cases, the full Board must review and approve the recommendation. Hearings typically take place at:
- High Desert State Prison
- Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center
- Northern Nevada Correctional Center
They are generally scheduled on Tuesdays, with women’s cases heard on the third Tuesday of each month. These proceedings are open to the public, although some parts may be closed for privacy.
What Happens After the Hearing?
The outcome of a parole eligibility hearing can result in:
- Granting of parole: The individual is released under supervision with conditions.
- Deferral: The Board postpones the release and sets a future eligibility date.
- Denial: The request is rejected, and the individual remains incarcerated until the next eligibility date.
In the case of revocation hearings:
- Parole can be reinstated if no violation is found.
- Parole may be revoked, requiring the individual to serve the remaining sentence in prison.
- House arrest or residential confinement may be ordered in lieu of prison.
Discretionary Release Parole Guideline Worksheet
When evaluating an inmate for discretionary parole in Nevada, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners takes into account the seriousness of the original offense. For example, crimes like murder are weighed more heavily than offenses such as robbery. In addition to the severity of the crime, the Board reviews factors that either reduce or increase the risk of reoffending. Mitigating factors might include a stable release plan, strong family support, and evidence of rehabilitation, while aggravating factors could involve prior violent convictions or the particularly egregious nature of the crime.
To guide this process, the Board uses a Discretionary Release Parole Guideline Worksheet, which helps identify the appropriate offense severity level, note any aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and document any reasons for deviating from the guideline recommendations.
Outcomes of a Parole Hearing
The hearing can result in several outcomes:
- Reinstatement of Parole: If no violation is found, you’re released and continue your parole.
- Revocation of Parole: If a violation is confirmed, you may be sent back to prison for the remainder of your sentence.
- Residential Confinement: In less severe cases, the Board may impose house arrest with intensive monitoring instead of prison.
In most cases, revoked parole also leads to the loss of any good behavior credits you’ve accumulated.
Where and When Are Hearings Held?
Parole revocation hearings usually take place within 60 days of your return to prison or home confinement. If the violation involves another criminal charge, the clock starts ticking once that case concludes.
Hearings are generally held at the following facilities:
- High Desert State Prison
- Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center
- Northern Nevada Correctional Center
They are typically scheduled on Tuesdays, with women’s cases usually heard on the third Tuesday of each month. These hearings are open to the public, though certain segments may be closed for privacy reasons.
Legal Defenses Against Parole Violations
Even though these hearings differ from criminal trials, many of the same legal defenses apply. Your attorney might argue that:
- You were falsely accused
- You were misidentified
- Your actions did not constitute a violation
For example, a misunderstanding about curfew timing or contact with a restricted individual may be defensible if the intent wasn’t malicious or clearly prohibited. Documentation, credible witnesses, and even surveillance footage can be used to contest the claims.
Legal Representation Is Critical
Whether you’re preparing for your first parole eligibility hearing or defending your freedom at a revocation proceeding, legal representation is a game-changer. At Spartacus Law Firm, our team is deeply familiar with the Parole Board’s expectations, procedures, and decision-making criteria. We work hard to highlight your rehabilitation, ensure your rights are protected, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t wait until a hearing is scheduled. The preparation phase is just as important as the hearing itself. Reach out to Spartacus Law Firm today to discuss your situation, and let us help build a strong case for your freedom.
Why You Need Legal Help From Spartacus Law Firm
Navigating a parole violation hearing without experienced counsel puts your freedom at risk. At Spartacus Law Firm, we have extensive experience defending clients during parole and probation proceedings. We understand the nuances of Nevada law and the internal procedures of the Parole Board.
If you’re facing a parole violation in Las Vegas or anywhere in Clark County, don’t wait. Contact Spartacus Law Firm today for a confidential consultation. Your future may depend on the defense strategy you build today.