Parole Hearing Questions and Answers for Families (Connecticut)

The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles answers the questions families ask most. Anyone sentenced to more than two years must take part in the Parole Orientation Program, and DOC staff develop an Offender Accountability Plan that sets out what the Board will weigh at release. Hearings are generally held about six months before the eligibility date to allow time to assemble the file. Hearings are open to the public, but only the parole officer, the panel members, the inmate and any victims may speak, so family members may attend and observe only. Denials are explained verbally and in writing, and a panel may deny with no further consideration or set a future hearing date. A grant produces a "voted to parole" date that is an "on or after" date rather than a guaranteed release day, and the Board may rescind a grant before release for new disciplinary action or new charges.