5225 Corrections and Rehabilitation
Program Descriptions

35 - BOARD OF PAROLE HEARINGS - ADULT HEARINGS

The objective of the Board of Parole Hearings - Adult Hearings is to promote public safety through fair parole processes and decisions and to provide the required due process to inmates throughout the hearing process.

For adult offenders, the Board of Parole Hearings is responsible for setting the terms and conditions of parole and conducting parole consideration hearings for eligible inmates serving life sentences. The Board also issues warrants; conducts medical parole hearings; and determines whether parolees be discharged from parole. The Board also conducts parole revocation hearings for certain lifers pursuant to Penal Code Section 3000.1. Screenings are also conducted for mentally disordered offenders and sexually violent predators, and subsequent hearing referrals are made to the Department of Mental Health. In addition, at the Governor's request, the Board investigates applications and forwards recommendations for pardons and commutations of sentence, including those involving the death penalty. It also has the discretion to recommend to the court that a prisoner's sentence be recalled due to the inmate's significant health condition.

For juvenile offenders, the Juvenile Parole Board is responsible for discharges of commitment, orders for discharge from the jurisdiction of the Division of Juvenile Facilities to the jurisdiction of the committing court, and disciplinary appeals. Until December 31, 2012, the Juvenile Parole Board also conducted revocation or suspension of parole.