Florida inmates can gain freedom via parole, conditional release or conditional medical release.
Depending upon the crime committed, the time of the offense and terms of the sentence, Florida inmates may be released under one of three programs. Gainesville criminal attorney Thomas L. Edwards specializes in helping those convicted of crimes successfully regain their freedom via parole, conditional release or conditional medical release.
- Parole: Offenders whose crimes were committed before October 1, 1983 are eligible for parole consideration, unless sentencing came after that date and the offender elected to be sentenced under the United States Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Also eligible are inmates who committed a capital felony murder before May 25, 1994 or a capital sexual battery prior to October 1, 1995.
- Conditional Release: Inmates whose crimes were committed on or after October 1, 1988, whose crimes fell under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedures’ violent offense categories, and who have served at least one prior felony commitment at a state or federal correctional institution may gain freedom with a conditional release. Offenders released under this program have earned gain time, an incentive that the Florida Department of Corrections uses to encourage good behavior and program or work participation among inmates. Certain terms and conditions of supervision may be in effect until the end of the court-imposed sentence.
- Conditional Medical Release: An offender who suffers a medical or physical condition that renders him or her to be permanently incapacitated or terminally ill with a life expectancy less than six months may be eligible for a conditional medical release.
All three release types come with strict requirements. For instance offenders must notify officers of plans to change residences; must not use or possess alcohol or intoxicants of any kind; must not use or possess any drugs not prescribed by a physician; and may be subject to nightly curfews.
If you are an inmate or represent someone who is incarcerated in a Florida correctional facility, contact Thomas Edwards, criminal defense attorney with Gainesville’s Law Offices of Edwards & Jones Criminal Defense at (352) 329-3632 to discuss your options and help ensure your fair treatment by the law enforcement system.