Skilled Criminal Lawyers Representing Clients at Parole Hearings throughout Ontario

The lawyers at Hicks Adams have an impressive record of getting people out from behind bars and back into the community on parole so they can move forward with their lives after a criminal conviction. As one of the largest criminal law firms in Canada, Hicks Adams is able to provide one of our experienced lawyers for a parole hearing anywhere in Ontario.

Parole Eligibility

Generally, people convicted of crimes are eligible for parole after they have served one-third of their sentence. For example, if a person is sentenced to fifteen years in prison, he or she will be eligible for parole at five years.

Life sentences have different rules. Individuals convicted of first-degree murder are not eligible for parole until they have served 25 years of their sentence. For individuals convicted of second-degree murder, the judge will set parole eligibility at somewhere between 10 and 25 years.

What to Expect at a Parole Hearing

Parole hearings are significantly different than other hearings in the criminal justice system. They take place before members of the parole board, rather than a judge, and they are typically held at the prison where the individual is serving his or her sentence.

The purpose of the hearing is to help the board members assess the risk the individual may pose to the public if he or she is granted conditional release and determine whether this risk could be managed effectively in the community.

The board members will ask the parole officer about the individual and his or her behaviour while in prison. They may also ask the individual some questions. A victim may present a victim impact statement.

Our Lawyers Succeed at Parole Hearings in Toronto and Across Ontario

At Hicks Adams, we have handled numerous parole hearings. We understand the unique nature of these hearings and know how to succeed. We will fight to get you out from behind bars with the least restrictive terms possible. We take pride in helping people move on with their lives.

Contact Hicks Adams for a Free Parole Board Hearing Consultation

Our experienced Toronto parole hearing lawyers are ready to defend your rights. Call us at 416-975-1700 or contact us online for a free consultation.