Free parole packet checklist

A free list of the documents families commonly gather. It is a checklist, not legal advice. Download / print as PDF

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• ☐ Your loved one's full legal name, exactly as on state records
• ☐ Their state ID number (for example MDOC number in Michigan, DIN in New York, DOC number in Missouri, TDCJ number in Texas)
• ☐ Facility name and mailing address
• ☐ Parole hearing, interview, or review date (or eligibility date)
• ☐ Any past parole decision or denial letters

Support letters

• ☐ A list of 3 to 6 people who know them well: family, friends, employers, pastors, mentors
• ☐ Each letter says how the writer knows them, a real change they've seen, and how they'll help after release
• ☐ Each letter is signed, dated, and has the writer's contact info
• ☐ Your loved one's full name and ID number on every page

Home plan

• ☐ The address where they'll live
• ☐ The host's name and contact info, and their relationship
• ☐ Everyone who lives in the home
• ☐ A landlord approval letter if the home is rented
• ☐ How they'll get to work, appointments, and the parole office
• ☐ A backup home plan, if possible

Job plan

• ☐ Job offer letter (employer name, position, start date, pay if known)
• ☐ Work history before incarceration
• ☐ Skills, trades, licenses
• ☐ If no offer yet: a plan (job search, reentry program, staffing agency)

Accomplishments

• ☐ Certificates from classes, programs, school, or GED
• ☐ Treatment programs completed
• ☐ Work assignments, faith or volunteer work inside

Putting it together

• ☐ A cover page and table of contents
• ☐ Copies for your records
• ☐ Where to send it in your state, and how early

Rules differ by state and change over time. Check your state's official parole board information. Parole Path is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. For legal questions, please talk to a licensed attorney. Parole Path does not represent anyone before any parole board. Parole Path is independent and is not affiliated with any parole board or department of corrections. No one can promise a parole decision, and we never will.