Judicial Release

If you or a loved one has been sent to prison in Ohio, it may be possible to reduce the prison time by seeking Judicial Release. You might have heard it called “Shock Parole.”

Judicial Release allows a prisoner to ask for a release from prison to community control (parole). A skilled lawyer can help you determine whether you are eligible and guide you through the process.

At Malarcik Pierce Munyer Will, we have helped many of our clients obtain judicial release, so that they could be reunited with their families and rebuild their lives.

In Ohio, a prisoner in state prison may apply for early release if these conditions are met:

• The conviction was not for an offense that is specifically excluded. Most common offenses are eligible.
• Any mandatory prison time has been served.
• A specific portion of the non-mandatory prison time has been served.

Determining when a prisoner is eligible depends on the total sentence. For example, certain offenses have mandatory prison time, such as gun specifications. That time must be served, plus a portion of the remaining sentence. Longer sentences require longer time served before the request can be made.

Time served is calculated based upon when a prisoner is delivered to prison. Time spent in local jail awaiting trial or sentencing does not count.

Once the required time has passed, a motion for Judicial Release may be filed. The motion is filed with the court that sentenced you, which is different than typical parole proceedings.

The court may deny it without a hearing, or may schedule a hearing. If a hearing is scheduled, the prison will send the judge a report of the offender’s activities in prison, such as education, therapy, rehabilitation, and disciplinary issues. The prisoner may attend only if the court allows it, but his or her attorney will always be allowed to present oral or written information. Other interested parties, such as victims, may present statements.

Other special circumstances may allow for early release. If the prisoner is in imminent danger of death, or is medically incapacitated, or is suffering from a terminal illness, the court may allow an early release. This requires a certification from the prison system that such a situation exists.

Being convicted of a crime is a serious matter: it affects your future employment, your family life, your finances, and your freedom. Judicial Release will help you reunite with your family and rebuild your life.

The court process is intimidating and the stakes are high. The sooner you have a criminal defense lawyer working for you, the more likely you will have a good result.

Call us today: (330) 253-0785.

Our offices are located in downtown Akron, at 121 S. Main St., Ste. 520. We serve clients in courts throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and the surrounding areas.