Parole Dates For Inmates In Alabama are updated every Monday on the official website of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. The public calendar lists each inmate’s name, Alabama Identification System (AIS) number, hearing date, and assigned board members. Anyone can view, sort, or download this information at no cost. The board’s office is located at 100 Capitol Commerce Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36104, and phone inquiries are handled at (334) 353‑7771. This system gives families, victims, lawyers, and researchers fast access to accurate parole hearing schedules across the state.
How to Find Parole Hearing Dates in Alabama
The simplest way to find parole dates for inmates in Alabama is through the official parole board website. Each week, staff upload a new list of upcoming hearings. Users can sort by date, name, or AIS number to locate specific cases quickly. The page also links to payment portals, news updates, and procedural guides in PDF format. For those without internet access, calling the main office provides basic details over the phone.
Another trusted source is the Alabama Info Hub, which mirrors the state’s data in a user-friendly search table. It shows last name, first name, AIS number, and scheduled hearing date. Filters allow searches by county, offense type, or release window. Direct links to official PDF reports help users verify information. A “Read more” option explains how parole eligibility is calculated, including good-time credits and disciplinary impacts.
Understanding the Alabama Identification System (AIS) Number
Every inmate in Alabama has a unique Alabama Identification System (AIS) number. This number stays with them throughout their incarceration and parole process. It’s used in all official records, court filings, and public databases. When searching for parole dates, entering the correct AIS number ensures accurate results. Most online tools accept partial names or full AIS numbers, but using the AIS reduces errors and speeds up searches.
For example, Devonte Cortes Acosta (AIS 296128) had a hearing on April 5, 2022. Cecil Douglas Adams (AIS 181341) appeared before the board on March 24, 2022. These entries appear in both the state’s calendar and third-party hubs like Alabama Info Hub. Always cross-check the AIS number with official documents to confirm identity.
Parole Eligibility and Release Date Calculations
Not every inmate qualifies for parole. Eligibility depends on crime type, sentence length, behavior in prison, and statutory requirements. Alabama law allows certain offenders to earn “good-time credits” that reduce their minimum release date. However, disciplinary infractions can cancel these credits, delaying parole chances.
The “Minimum Release Date” is the earliest day an inmate might be released under supervision. This date changes if new charges are added or if sanctions remove earned time. The Alabama Department of Corrections defines this clearly on its website. Users should check both the parole board calendar and the inmate search tool to see if a hearing is scheduled near this date.
Using the Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search Tool
The Alabama Department of Corrections offers a free online inmate search. Enter a name or AIS number to find current facility, charges, sentence length, and parole eligibility. Results show classification level and links to court dockets. This tool helps families track custody status and confirm hearing dates match court orders.
The search form accepts partial entries—typing “Jon” returns all surnames starting with those letters, up to 50 records. Add filters like conviction year or facility code to narrow results. If too many matches appear, the system prompts users to refine criteria. Each record includes a link to the full sentencing document for verification.
Victim Notification System for Parole Hearings
In early 2024, Alabama launched an automated system that alerts registered victims when an inmate’s parole hearing is scheduled. Emails or texts include the inmate’s name, AIS number, hearing date, and a secure link to the public docket. This reduces the need for manual checks and increases transparency.
Since activation, over 12,000 notifications have been sent. The system pulls data from the parole board’s calendar and matches it with victim contact info in the Victim-Offender Information System. Registered victims receive timely updates without having to monitor websites daily.
Historical Background of Parole in Alabama
Alabama joined the United States in 1819 and passed its first parole law in 1897. Before that, only a governor’s pardon could free someone early. The modern Alabama Parole Bureau was created in 1935, adding supervised probation, treatment programs, and electronic monitoring. Since then, it has handled over 150,000 parole decisions.
Annual reports detail recidivism rates, compliance metrics, and funding. These records show how parole policies evolved to balance public safety with rehabilitation. The board’s mission emphasizes fairness, transparency, and successful reintegration for eligible offenders.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles is headquartered at 100 Capitol Commerce Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36104. The main phone number is (334) 353‑7771. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended for complex cases.
For written inquiries, mail to PO Box 302405, Montgomery, AL 36130‑2405. Email contacts for parole officers are listed on the official website. Regional offices across the state also assist with local requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parole Dates in Alabama
Many people ask how often parole calendars update, whether hearings can be canceled, and how to appeal a denial. Others want to know if victims can attend hearings or speak during proceedings. Below are detailed answers to common questions based on current Alabama law and agency practices.
How often are parole hearing dates updated in Alabama?
The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles updates its public calendar every Monday. New hearings are added, and canceled cases are removed. This weekly refresh ensures the list reflects the most recent decisions. Users should check the site each week for changes. The Alabama Info Hub also syncs with this data regularly. If a hearing is postponed, the new date usually appears within seven days. Always verify dates close to the event, as last-minute changes can occur due to emergencies or procedural delays.
Can I attend a parole hearing in Alabama?
Yes, parole hearings in Alabama are open to the public unless restricted for safety or legal reasons. Visitors must arrive early, bring valid ID, and follow courtroom rules. Seating is limited, so priority may go to victims, family members, or legal representatives. Some hearings are held via video conference, especially for inmates in remote facilities. Check the hearing notice for location details. The board does not require pre-registration for observers, but large groups should contact the office ahead of time.
What happens if an inmate is denied parole?
If parole is denied, the inmate remains incarcerated and may reapply after a set period, typically one to three years, depending on the board’s decision. The denial letter explains the reasons, such as lack of rehabilitation progress or risk to public safety. Inmates can request a review of their case file and submit new evidence before the next hearing. Legal counsel often helps prepare stronger applications. Denials do not affect good-time credits or minimum release dates unless new disciplinary actions occur.
How do victims get notified of parole hearings?
Victims must register with the Alabama Department of Corrections’ Victim Notification System. Once enrolled, they receive email or text alerts whenever an inmate’s hearing is scheduled. Notifications include the inmate’s name, AIS number, hearing date, and a link to the public docket. Registration is free and can be done online or by calling the parole board. Victims may also request to speak at the hearing or submit a written statement. The system has sent over 12,000 alerts since 2024, improving transparency and victim involvement.
Can parole dates change after being posted?
Yes, parole hearing dates can change due to cancellations, rescheduling, or administrative errors. The board updates its calendar weekly, but last-minute changes may not appear immediately. Inmates or their representatives should confirm dates a few days before the hearing. Factors like illness, legal motions, or security issues can cause delays. Always check the official website or call the office for the latest information. Relying solely on third-party sites may lead to outdated details.
What is the difference between a parole hearing date and a release date?
A parole hearing date is when the board reviews an inmate’s case to decide if they qualify for early release. A release date is the actual day the inmate leaves prison, which only happens if parole is granted. The hearing date is public; the release date may not be disclosed until shortly before release for security reasons. Even if parole is approved, the inmate must complete paperwork and transfer plans, which can take days or weeks. The minimum release date shown in inmate searches is the earliest possible release, not a guaranteed parole outcome.
How accurate are third-party parole date websites?
Third-party sites like Alabama Info Hub aim to mirror official data but may lag behind updates or contain errors. They are useful for quick searches but should never replace verification with the state’s official sources. Always cross-check names, AIS numbers, and dates with the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles website or the Department of Corrections inmate search. Relying on unofficial sites can lead to missed hearings or incorrect assumptions about release timelines.
Official Resources for Parole Information in Alabama
For the most reliable and current information, use these official sources:
- Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles – https://paroles.alabama.gov
- Scheduled Parole Hearings Calendar – https://paroles.alabama.gov/hearings/scheduled-parole-hearings/
- Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search – http://www.doc.alabama.gov/InmateSearch
- Minimum Release Date Definitions – http://www.doc.state.al.us/Definitions
Phone: (334) 353‑7771 Address: 100 Capitol Commerce Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36104 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CT
