{"id":372781,"date":"2016-10-03T13:54:02","date_gmt":"2016-10-03T18:54:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-parole-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-09T10:25:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T15:25:46","slug":"georgia-parole-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-parole-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Parole Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Georgia Parole Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Under Georgia law, criminal offenders who have met certain criteria qualify for supervised early release or parole. For anyone incarcerated for a long period of time, parole is likely a foremost concern.<\/p>\r\n

Unlike some states, Georgia does not have a formal parole application process. The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles<\/a> reviews all sentences as they become eligible, and reviews each case based on Georgia\u2019s parole decision guidelines.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Parole?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Parole is the discretionary release of an offender after they have served part of their sentence. In Georgia, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles determines parole eligibility based on a complex Parole Decision Guideline system<\/a>. Georgia inmates do not need to request parole or appear at hearings. The parole board reviews sentences as they become statutorily eligible according to the penalty given at trial.<\/p>\r\n

Once released on parole, a parolee is subject to terms and conditions of release similar to probation. A parolee must typically maintain steady employment, report to a parole officer, refrain from using drugs or alcohol, and avoid reoffending for the remainder of their prison sentence. Violating parole means returning to prison to complete the rest of their term.<\/p>\r\n

Georgia Parole Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Georgia\u2019s parole board<\/a> is a five-person board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Board members serve seven-year staggered terms so that members are not all appointed by the same Governor. The parole board also oversees pardons, commutations, and reprieves.<\/p>\r\n

The board\u2019s decisions come from a series of charts<\/a> developed by the Georgia Department of Corrections. These guidelines include:<\/p>\r\n