Our dedicated legal team is constantly developing and updating resources to help people understand the parole consideration process. Below are all of our currently-available resources.
We are here to help and available to respond to any resource or intake inquiries over the phone on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
If you find any of these resources helpful for your incarcerated loved ones, you can contact us by phone at (510) 271-0310 or through our contact form here, and we will mail them a copy. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. We look forward to supporting you!
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For anyone navigating the parole consideration process in California, our parole resource packet is a great place to start. It provides an overview of the parole process and advice for how to prepare for your hearing
Steps of the Process
Overview of California’s Discretionary Parole Process & How to Prepare for it | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide provides a general overview of the parole process, including essential information about eligibility for a parole hearing, summaries of each step in the process, and tips for how to prepare for a parole hearing.
Glossary of Common Terms Used in the Parole Process | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This glossary provides thorough definitions of the most important terms used in California’s parole consideration process.
Parole Preparation Questions | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide provides advice about how to prepare “insight” for a parole hearing and a list of major questions that the Board expects candidates to be able to answer.
How to Work with Your Parole Attorney | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide offers tools for working effectively with your attorney in the parole consideration process.
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Guide | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide is intended to help parole candidates familiarize themselves with the Comprehensive Risk Assessment (CRA or “psychological evaluation”) process and understand what they can do to prepare.
What to Expect on the Day of a Parole Hearing | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide outlines the practical details of what happens on the day of a parole hearing.
Tools for Emotional Regulation During a Parole Hearing | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide provides some tools that parole candidates can use to stay grounded, composed, and clear-headed during a hearing.
What Happens After a Parole Grant | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide provides an overview of the steps in the process after a parole candidate is found suitable at their hearing, including the review process, and the normal timeline.
Advocating for a Loved One During the En Banc Review Process | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
After a candidate is found suitable, the grant is subject to additional rounds of review before it is finalized. This guide explains how supporters can help a loved one whose parole grant has been referred back to the full Board for an “en banc” review.
How to Write a Decision Review Letter | Large Print
Last updated: January 2026
A decision review letter is an informal challenge to a decision by the Board to deny parole. This guide provides information about when and how to write and submit a decision review letter.
How to Advance a Parole Hearing Date | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide explains how a parole hearing date can be advanced (moved to an earlier date) through an administrative review or petition to advance (PTA).
Annotated List of Cases Addressing the Parole Process | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This guide identifies important cases related to the parole process. This is not a comprehensive list of relevant cases and it is not a replacement for legal research.
Parole Resource Packet | Large Print
Last updated: April 2026
This packet is a compilation of the most important guides for understanding the parole process and how to prepare for a parole hearing.