The Parole Board continues to engage criminal justice partners and community stakeholders. Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett and senior staff recently met on several occasions with the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) providing the association with opportunities to discuss the parole process. The agency has attended GACDL's training conferences in Brasstown Valley, Atlanta and at Jekyll Island.
Hearing examiners were able to answer specific parole related questions asked by the attorneys. Parole has also met with GACDL's advisory panel.
"Informed decision making by the Parole Board requires all stakeholders to be actively involved in the process," stated Barnett. "We offered to meet with criminal defense lawyers and they had questions about the process. We look forward to a continued dialogue with the association."
Barnett says the agency will continue to meet with prosecutors, judges, law enforcement partners and other stakeholders in an effort to continuously enhance and improve the executive clemency process in Georgia.
"Enhancing our operations will ensure the Georgia Parole Board remains the nation's leading paroling authority and ensures the safety of all Georgians,” added Barnett.
In late April, Barnett and staff delivered a presentation explaining the parole process to the Augusta Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office. The office consists of approximately 35 lawyers who represent criminally charged defendants in the circuit.
Defense Lawyers meet with Parole
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