Parole Preparation Project

The Parole Preparation Project trains, mentors, and supports pro bono counsel representing incarcerated people appealing unlawful denials of parole. In New York State, parole is the only avenue to release for people serving indeterminate sentences with a maximum of life. The Parole Board is the sole arbiter of parole release decisions. Many parole-eligible people serving long sentences are continually denied parole despite strong prison records, positive public safety risk assessments, and demonstration of remorse, insight and personal transformation during their decades of imprisonment. Unjust denials of parole contribute to mass incarceration and the aging prison population. The lack of resources to support incarcerated people in appealing denials of parole insulates the Board from scrutiny and prevents scores of people from returning home. Parole appeals are a critical component of parole reform in New York State.

We provide training, resources, and mentoring/support to our volunteers. Pro bono counsel represents an incarcerated client in a parole denial appeal. The parole denial appeal consists of an administrative appeal to the Board of Parole Appeals Unit, and if denied, an Article 78 appeal in NYS Supreme Court. The administrative appeal is a written brief, there is no oral argument or in person appearance at this stage. The Article 78 appeal involves at least a petition, memorandum of law, and reply brief. There may be additional motion practice and/or oral argument, depending on the facts of the case.