When convicted persons are serving a prison sentence, release on parole makes it possible for them to leave the penal institution before the sentence expires so they may reintegrate into society. In Quebec, provincial authorities administer prisons for sentences of less than two years, while federal authorities administer penitentiaries for sentences of over two years. Each level of government has its own parole board. Being granted a hearing before the board is a right, whereas being granted parole is a privilege including several discharge conditions. A prison lawyer can prepare the clients and represent them at the hearing.
At the provincial level, inmates sentenced to six months or more are usually eligible for parole after serving one third of their sentence. Since for sentences exceeding six months, there is greater discretion, the experience of a prison lawyer is essential. However, at the federal level, an inmate generally becomes eligible for parole after serving one third of the sentence or seven years, whichever comes first. Other deadlines are provided for inmates serving life imprisonment, namely for murder.
During the hearing, the Board studies the case, which not only includes information collected in prison, but also any other information deemed relevant to draft a profile of the individual. Afterwards, the inmate and the persons involved in the case may express themselves and make known their observations to the Board. Then the Board members make a decision. This decision may be appealed and a revision may be requested after a given deadline. If the inmates are discharged, they are bound to observe the terms laid out by the Board and remain actively in contact with their probation officer.
Note that in certain cases, the prison lawyer may request that the clients benefit from a pass to leave before they are eligible to parole. If the inmates do not benefit from parole, they may nevertheless be released when the eligibility period for discharge expires, unless the penal institution opposes it for serious reasons.
