Start Here
For anyone beginning the parole process in California, our parole packet is a great place to start. It provides an overview of the parole hearing process and how to prepare for your hearing
This page curates trusted resources beyond UnCommon Law’s direct services. Explore the information below on the Board of Parole Hearings, CDCR data, reentry, and resentencing, along with trusted partner organizations supporting people navigating these systems.
Board of Parole Hearings' resources
Parole Hearing Schedule
Click to see the schedule of upcoming parole hearings at any California prison.
Board of Parole Hearings’ Report of Significant Events (2024)
Most recent BPH Report of Significant Events.
The California Parole Hearing Process Handbook
BPH handbook on California's parole hearing process.
CDCR Population Demographics Reports
CDCR’s most recent demographic data.
CDCR Inmate Locator
Click to access CDCR’s Inmate Locator, which includes hearing information.
Helps lifers and their families understand a life sentence
Partner organizations
Asian Prisoner Support Committee
Provides culturally relevant programs such as Ethnic Studies classes in prisons, reentry services, and deportation defense campaigns.
The coalition, through legislative reform, commutation applications, public education, and organizing efforts.
Penal Law Project, Community Legal Information Clinic
Helps incarcerated people in state and federal prisons across the U.S. by providing legal information and research materials upon request.
Prison Law Office (PLO)
Our Founder and Executive Director, Keith Wattley, began his legal career at the Prison Law Office, which litigates prison conditions. PLO provides free resources on topics ranging from filing an administrative appeal (602) to suing prison officials for money damages.
Rosen Blen Galvan & Grunteld LLP
The firm handles a wide range of cases, including complex commercial disputes, constitutional and civil rights litigation, class actions, employment law, white-collar criminal defense, and legal malpractice.
Fights to end human rights abuses against Black and Black/Brown transgender, gender variant, and intersex people in California prisons, jails, and detention centers.
Three Strikes Project, Stanford Law School
A legal clinic dedicated to representing people serving life sentences under California's "Three Strikes" law for nonviolent offenses.
Mount Tamalpais College
Our Founder and Executive Director, Keith Wattley, is a former member of the Board of Directors — the first accredited independent liberal arts college specifically dedicated to serving incarcerated students.
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC)
Our Founder and Executive Director, Keith Wattley, is a former member of the Board of Directors for LSPC — a nonprofit that provides direct advocacy and legal representation for individuals incarcerated in California to restore human and civil rights, and to reunify families and communities.
Post-Conviction Justice Project at USC Gould Law School
A clinical legal education program that provides legal representation to people serving life sentences in California prisons.
Re-entry resources
East Bay Community Law Center- Clean Slate Clinic
Services include legal representation for post-conviction record remedies such as felony reductions and record expungements, as well as support for addressing employment and housing issues related to criminal records.
Find Help (powered by Aunt Bertha)
Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provides resources, shared experiences, and community support, they aim to address the lack of transparency, consistency, and accountability in the parole system.
Offers resources such as a Reentry Legal Hotline, mobile legal clinics, and educational workshops to assist peoplein overcoming barriers related to employment, housing, and family law.
Re-Sentencing
Advocates for policy changes related to resentencing and other issues impacting people affected by the criminal justice system. They focus legislation that reduces sentences, removes barriers to reentry, and restores opportunities for those impacted by incarceration.
Office of the State Public Defender
Provides legal representation for indigent people, particularly those facing capital sentences.
Forms local "hubs," participants collaborate to gather evidence, attend court hearings, and advocate for fairer outcomes, transforming the power dynamics within the justice system.
They provide support for people to pursue prosecutor initiated resentencing.
Advocates
California Coalition for Women Prisoners
Advocacy organization focused on supporting and advocating for incarcerated people, particularly women and transgender people in California's women's prisons.
To find and access a broad range of additional pro bono legal services across california, visit Lawhelpca.org
ICE holds and immigration
Asian Law Caucus — From Prison to ICE to Freedom: A Handbook for Immigrants Inside
This handbook was last updated in 2023. Under the current presidential administration, there have been significant changes to the immigration law and enforcement that may not be reflected in this handbook
California Public Defenders Association
Provides continuing legal education, training programs, and resources to ensure the highest standards of legal representation for indigent clients.
Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) — Low Cost Immigrant Legal Services
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Resource Page
From Prison to ICE to Freedom: A Handbook for Immigrants Inside
East Bay Community Law Center- Immigration Center
Provides a full range of legal services to immigrants and their families. They provide free legal advice and representation many options.
Immigration Legal Services — SIREN | Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network
If you would like information on how to address an ICE hold in a parole hearing, visit our resource: How to Write a Parole Plan if you have an ICE Hold