What happens when your loved one is considered for parole in Michigan
If your loved one is coming up for parole in Michigan, knowing who makes the decision—and what role families can play—makes a real difference. Here's a clear breakdown of how the Parole Board works and how to avoid common missteps.
The Michigan Parole Board decides whether someone serving a felony sentence in the Michigan Department of Corrections gets released on parole. That's the body families need to understand - they're the ones making the call.
The Parole Board operates under MDOC's Field Operations Administration (FOA). It has 10 members, all appointed by the MDOC Director.
Timing is everything. The Parole Board only considers someone for parole after they've served their minimum sentence. Until that point is reached, parole isn't on the table.
The Board does more than parole decisions. It also recommends commutations and pardons to the Governor - a separate process from standard parole.
Do not contact the Parole Board to ask about parole consideration or early release. MDOC specifically asks families not to call the Parole Board to request consideration or early release for a loved one.
The Office of the Parole Board handles the administrative side - support services, a Crime Victim Services section, and a Lifer and Commutation Unit.
Other parts of MDOC connect to the release process too. The Offender Success Administration runs the Parole Release Unit, which handles the logistics of getting people out.
Practical Suggestions for Families
- ✓ Don’t call the Parole Board to ask whether your loved one can be considered for parole or early release.
- ✓ If your questions relate to victim notifications or victim-facing support, look to the Crime Victim Services section within the Office of the Parole Board.
- ✓ If your situation involves lifer matters or commutation-related questions, the Lifer and Commutation Unit is the more fitting place to start.
- ✓ Keep your outreach focused and practical: figure out which office matches your question, and avoid “parole request” calls to the Board itself.
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