What to Expect at a Parole Suitability Hearing (California)

The California Board of Parole Hearings describes the order of events at a suitability hearing. All parties identify themselves for the record and every hearing is recorded and transcribed, then the panel addresses preliminary issues such as a postponement request or an offer to stipulate to unsuitability, which if accepted results in a denial of 15, 10, 7, 5 or 3 years without a hearing. The panel then reviews documents and questions the incarcerated person, after which the district attorney's representative may ask clarifying questions, the person and their attorney give closing statements, and victims and their families provide statements. The panel deliberates in closed session and may grant parole, deny it, or reach a tie vote that is referred to the full Board for en banc review. If a case is continued for more information, it is rescheduled in roughly four to six months.