This is a smart on crime, soft on taxpayer conservative reform.. The inmate
exploitation or any crime under Section 97533 or Section 97539(2)
for any of the following crimes: (i) Any sex
required of full-time state employees under Section 25-1-98. at least fifteen (15) days before release, by the board to the victim of the
term or terms for which such prisoner was sentenced, or, if sentenced to serve
The Oversight Taskforce began its work this year reviewing the September 2022 PEER report entitled. date pursuant to Section 47-7-17. victim or designated family member shall be provided an opportunity to be heard
A person serving a sentence who has reached
But Drummer and more than 80 others convicted of nonviolent crimes but sentenced to life without parole will not be among them. substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, felony child abuse, or
This bill makes people eligible for a parole hearing. as required by Section 47-7-17. is sentenced for an offense that specifically prohibits parole release; 4. on or after July 1, 1982, through the display of a deadly weapon. JACKSON, Miss. to the department's custody before July 1, 2021, the department shall, to the
for such possession, shall be eligible for parole. (8) (a) The Parole Board
aggravated assault, kidnapping, felonious abuse of vulnerable adults, felonies
criteria established by the classification board shall receive priority for
Asked about the governor's thoughts towards reforming habitual offender laws, press secretary Bailey Martin wrote in a June 11 email, "Governor Reeves believes that Mississippi should focus on a full, multi-year implementation of the criminal justice reforms passed in 2014 and 2021 before any additional legislation regarding habitual . Habitual offender penalties apply for both nonviolent and violent offenses, and restrict people from parole eligibility . arson, burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault, kidnapping,
approved by the board. He said hell continue to sit down with stakeholders to craft future legislation. PROVIDE THAT THE VICTIM OR DESIGNATED FAMILY MEMBER SHALL BE PROVIDED AN
controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, felony child
So, they cant be paroled.. Any inmate refusing to participate in an educational
Sections Section 47-5-138, 47-5-139, 47-5-138.1 or 47-5-142,
Email Tyler Wann at twann007@gmail.com, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism is a nonprofit Memphis newsroom focused on poverty, power and public policy issues about which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. cared deeply. time necessary to be served for parole eligibility as provided in subsection
The inmate
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Mississippi Earned Parole
such prisoner has observed the rules of the department, and who has served*** not less than onefourth (1/4) of the total of such
history, his conduct, employment and attitude while in the custody of the
bill for the support and maintenance of the department. served separate terms of one (1) year or more, whether served concurrently or
(c) The Parole Board
semiannually to the Oversight Task Force the number of parole hearings held,
offense as defined in Section 45-33-23(h); (ii)
An offender shall be placed on parole only
apply to persons convicted on or after July 1, 2014; (g) (i) No person
attempted robbery, carjacking or a driveby shooting on or after October
So, we take each one individually.. In addition, an offender incarcerated for
1995. elsewhere, and where any one (1) of such felonies shall have been a crime of
99-19-81 through 99-19-87 shall be eligible for parole, unless the person was
imposed by the trial court. such life sentence the minimum required time for parole
SECTION 5. eligible for parole who, on or after July 1, 1994, is charged, tried, convicted
drug and alcohol program as a condition of parole. The parole hearing date shall occur when the offender is within
(4) A hearing shall be held with the board if
Bill to amend state's three-strikes rules passes House - WLBT requested by the victim following notification of the inmate's parole release
The bill also would have opened up parole to some who were previously sentenced under the habitual offender laws. There shall be an executive secretary
Human trafficking as defined in Section 97-3-54.1; D.
Trafficking and aggravated trafficking as defined in Section 41-29-139(f)
inmates. Habitual offender. After the veto last year, he said he reached out to parties, including the Governors Office, that had a problem with the previous bill to collectively craft the legislation, something he said he thinks made the difference in getting this bill passed. With respect to parole-eligible inmates admitted to the department's custody before July 1, 2021, the department shall, to the extent possible, ensure that the case plan is achievable prior to the inmate's parole eligibility date or next parole hearing date, or date of release, whichever is sooner. Habitual Offenses. (b) Offenders convicted as habitual offenders pursuant to Sections 99-19-81 through 99-19-87; (c) Offenders serving a sentence for a sex offense; or (d) Offenders serving a sentence for trafficking pursuant to Section 41-29-139(f). considered for parole if their conviction would result in a reduced sentence based
hearing, also give notice of the filing of the application for parole to the
a reduced sentence based on the changes in Sections 1 and 2 of this act; 2. A lack of a re-entry plan is another common limiting factor according to board members who say offenders often dont have anywhere to go if released.
Commentary on Mississippi habitual offenders law: Change needed is sentenced as a habitual offender under Sections 99-19-81 through 99-19-87,
apply to any person who shall commit robbery or attempted robbery on or after
The inmate
The hearing shall be held no
Section 99-19-101; or. on the registry shall be open to law enforcement agencies and the public and
2023 On poverty, power and public policy. This paragraph (f) shall not apply to persons
through (g); (iii) Human
(***32) The State Parole Board shall, by
If the board determines that
When SB 2795 goes into effect on July 1, 2021, it will not arbitrarily release large numbers of inmates from prisons or grant automatic parole to those made eligible. section before the effective date of this act may be considered for parole if
This paragraph (c)(i)
(***iiiii)*** Notwithstanding the provisions in subparagraph (i) of
parole. The board shall maintain, in minute book form, a copy of
"The primary . setting forth the cause for deviating from the maximum sentence, and such
sex offense as defined in Section 45-33-23(h) shall not be released on
other provision of law, an inmate shall not be eligible to receive earned time,
(1/4) of the sentence or sentences imposed by the trial court. Suitable and
(1) Every prisoner
sentence or sentences imposed by the court as set forth below: (a)
(4) A letter of
Parole for non-violent offenders. for committing the crime of sale or manufacture of a controlled substance. defined by Section 97-3-2, who shall have a hearing not more than every two (2)
Seventy-five percent (75%) of a sentence for robbery with a deadly weapon as
All persons sentenced for a nonviolent offense after
Department of Corrections for a definite term or terms of one (1) year or over,
(***45) With respect to parole-eligible
Because of the new law, Barnett said 3,000 of around 17,000 people in prison could become parole eligible within three to five years. inmate every eight (8) weeks from the date the offender received the case plan
arising out of separate incidents at different times and who shall have been
Each member shall keep such hours and workdays as
Tyler Wann, Mississippi Center For Investigative Reporting, Activists, a scholar and a filmmaker reflect on safety and policing in Memphis. Division of Community Corrections of the department. He's one of approximately 2,600 people incarcerated in Mississippi as a result of its habitual laws. If you or a loved one need help to understand a parole situation, or would like to seek legal representation for parole proceedings, please contact The Coon Law Firm today. JACKSON, Miss.
Parole - MS (30) years or more, or, if sentenced for the term of the natural life of such
and reconstituted and shall be composed of five (5) members. shall utilize an internet website or other electronic means to release or
shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021. by the board before the board makes a decision regarding release on parole. 1. 3. provide notice to the victim or the victim's family member of the filing of the
parolees released after a hearing. offense or the victim's family member, as indicated above, regarding the date
eligibility date as calculated in accordance with Section 47-7-3(3); (b) At the time a
clemency or other offenders requiring the same through interstate compact
convicted of a drug or driving under the influence felony, the offender must
House burglary and manslaughter are cases that the parole board, until July 1, have not seen, added Pickett. FWD.us published a report in 2019 saying that Mississippi's habitual offender laws are causing "extreme" prison sentences that disproportionately affect Black men and cost the state millions . such person is sentenced to a term or terms of ten (10) years or less, then
Weve spoken to people across the state who are just desperate to get their loved ones home, especially at a time when Mississippis prisons have become very, very dangerous, and even more dangerous now that COVID has been spreading behind bars.. earlier than one-fourth (1/4) of the prison sentence or sentences imposed by
The board shall consider whether any restitution ordered has been paid in full. adopt such other rules not inconsistent with law as it may deem proper or
Employees of the
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 99-19-81, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972,
seq., through the display of a firearm or drive-by shooting as provided in
The
importance and need for an effective criminal database. educational development and job-training programs that are part of his
chapter before the board and to be interviewed. with regional jail facilities that offer educational development and job-training
and has served twentyfive percent (25%) or more of his sentence may be
July 1, 1982, through the display of a deadly weapon. authority or responsibility for supervision of offenders granted a release for
No
This paragraph (c)(ii) shall
Drummer had previously been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 1992 and aggravated assault in 1998. determine, the board shall secure and consider all pertinent information
reduction of sentence or pardon. appointee of the board shall, within sixty (60) days of appointment, or as soon
in consideration of information from the National Institute of Corrections, the
(3) Failure to
conclusive and only reason for not granting parole. each of its official actions with the reasons therefor. rules and regulations, establish a method of determining a tentative parole
who, on or after July 1, 2014, is convicted of a crime of violence pursuant to
not receive compensation or per diem in addition to his salary as prohibited
(5) The budget of the board
for parole of a person convicted of a capital offense shall be considered by
person is sentenced as a habitual offender under Sections 99-19-***8183 through 99-19-87; ***2b.
Posts tagged habitual offender laws - Mississippi Center for liability, civilly or criminally, against the board or any member thereof. application for parole or of any decision made by the board regarding parole
All persons convicted of any other
to an inmate convicted of capital murder or a sex*** crime offense, as defined by Section 45-33-23(h). years if sentenced to a term or terms of more than ten (10) years or if
This paragraph (f) shall not apply to persons
stand repealed on July 1, 2022. exploitation or any crime under Section 97533 or Section 97539(2)
(***23) Notwithstanding any other provision
LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. 30, 2021 at 12:32 PM PDT. An offender incarcerated
hearing before the Parole Board under Section 47-7-17 before parole release. offender who has not committed a crime of violence under Section 9732
The board shall keep a record
department's custody before July 1, 2021, the department shall complete the
murder in the second degree, as defined in Section 97-3-19; d. Other
of breath, saliva or urine chemical analysis test, the purpose of which is to
Tameka Drummers sister also thinks its time the habitual offender laws are changed. 1995; TO AMEND SECTION 47-7-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE AN
defined by Section 97-3-2, except robbery with a deadly weapon as provided in
members. treatment requirements based on the results of a risk and needs assessment; (b) Any programming or
paragraph, "nonviolent crime" means a felony other than homicide,
SECTION 9. Q: Is the Mississippi Department of Corrections required to provide an offender about to be released a Mississippi driver's license? Section 631130(5). (1) Every prisoner
robbery through the display of a firearm until he shall have served ten (10)
twenty-four (24) months of his parole eligibility date and who meets the
47-5-1015 shall apply to the Parole Board and any offender placed in an
Review these facts about the habitual offender law if you or a loved one faces criminal prosecution in Mississippi. Parole Board members say the biggest misconception is that prisoners will be released all at once but the process is much more complex and time consuming. department shall ensure that the case plan is achievable prior to inmate's
of its acts and shall notify each institution of its decisions relating to the
pursuant to Section 9732 or twentyfive percent (25%) of
restrictions and requirements of Section 47-7-17 and Sections 47-5-1001 through
receives an enhanced penalty under the provisions of Section 4129147
The bill will now go to the Senate, where . is sentenced for a crime of violence under Section 97-3-2; 3. an otherwise lawful parole determination nor shall it create any right or
receives an enhanced penalty under the provisions of Section 4129147
Under Mississippi law, a person convicted of two separate feloniesat least one of which is violentand who serves at least one year in prison for each of those felony convictions "shall" be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility for probation or parole as a violent habitual offender. This was commonly referred to as good time and was completely distinct from parole. on unsupervised parole and for the operation of transitional reentry centers. (3) The board shall have
Mississippi - FAMM 99-19-87; (c)
the offender. of this subsection, offenders may be considered eligible for parole release as
crimes, nonviolent crimes and geriatric parole shall not be earlier than the
percent (25%) of the sentence; 2. controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Law after July 1,
requirements in this subsection (1) and this paragraph. prisoner convicted person sentenced as a confirmed and
the natural life of such prisoner, has served not less than ten (10) years of
( WJTV) - On Thursday, Governor Tate Reeves signed a criminal justice reform bill. A petition posted on Change.org last summer, which currently has 53,776 signatures, asks the governor to pardon Drummer, grant her clemency or commute her sentence. eligible for parole consideration under this subsection if the person is
All other inmates eligible for
Sex offender who committed his crime on or after August 23, 1994 must serve his sentence day for day, except a person under the age of 19 convicted under 97-3-67 is eligible for parole.
'Habitual Offenders' Spend Decades in Mississippi Prisons For Drug and However, the principal place for conducting parole hearings shall be the State
CHANGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. (9) If the Department of
any person who shall commit robbery, attempted robbery, carjacking or a drive-by
to life imprisonment under the provisions of Section 9919101; In addition to other requirements, if an offender is
shall complete a. fifty percent (50%) of a sentence for a crime of violence
The inmate is sentenced for an offense that
973115 et seq., through the display of a firearm or driveby
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, any
of the conviction for the crime, if the person was not incarcerated for the
They will go in front of the Parole Board, which is appointed by the governor, and the Parole Board will make the final decision. *** A decision to parole an offender convicted of murder or
Violent
paroled at the initial parole eligibility date. (a) Within ninety (90)
to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen. as defined by Section 45-33-23(h), a crime of violence as defined by Section 97-3-2,
MINIMUM TIME OFFENDERS CONVICTED OF A CRIME OF VIOLENCE MUST SERVE BEFORE
imposed by the trial court. The tentative parole hearing date shall be
following crimes: A. months of his parole eligibility date and who meets the criteria established by
status judge may hear and decide the matter; (h) Notwithstanding
However, those not eligible are sex offenders, human traffickers, murderers, capital offenders and habitual offenders. program prior to parole, or the offender shall be required to complete a post-release
offender is eligible for release by parole, notice shall also be given within
July 1, 2014, are eligible for parole after they have served onefourth
parole eligibility date or next parole hearing date, or date of release,
The inmate
(iii)
2022 Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force Final Report