The document outlines Georgia's parole eligibility rules, emphasizing that inmates can qualify for parole after serving one-third of their sentence, regardless of whether they apply. However, certain categories of inmates, such as those convicted of serious violent felonies, repeat offenders, life sentences without parole, and those on death row, are ineligible for parole consideration. It also notes that while legal representation is not required for parole, inmates may choose to have an attorney assist them.

1. Parole Eligibility Rules in Georgia
Michael Kennedy McIntyre

2. Introduction
Seasoned lawyer Michael McIntyre established Michael Kennedy McIntyre &
Associates in 1985 and served the residents of Georgia since then. As a law practice,
Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates focuses solely on post-conviction criminal
defense, such as parole representation.

3. Parole is a conditional freedom granted to an inmate after he or she has served an
appropriate portion of his or her prison sentence. While outside of confinement, he
or she is expected to adhere to a series of responsibilities. A parolee who fails to live
up to his or her responsibilities is at risk of going back into custody.

4. In Georgia, parole is discretionary on the part of the State Board of Pardons and
Paroles, the office authorized by the constitution to “grant paroles, pardons,
reprieves, remissions, commutations, and to restore civil and political rights.”

5. Georgia inmates who have served one-third of their prison sentence are
automatically eligible for parole, whether or not the inmates or their representatives
have applied for parole. Attorney representation is also not necessary, although the
parole-eligible inmate may opt to be represented by a lawyer in the process.

6. Some inmates are not eligible for parole consideration in Georgia, such as the
following:
1. Inmates who have been sentenced to non-life imprisonment for “serious violent
felonies” committed on January 1, 1995 and onwards. “Serious violent felonies” under
this rule are aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, aggravated
sodomy, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, and rape.
2. Inmates serving prison sentences for recidivism (convicted of a fourth felony).
3. Inmates serving life sentences without parole.
4. Inmates under death sentences.