The Parole Guidelines score is a major issue in whether a Texas parole is granted or denied by the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole.

On its face, it is extremely complicated to calculate although once you understand how it works it is actually pretty easy.

We discuss both how to do the calculation and how to present it in our book How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet and we are working on an online calculator for this website which will allow someone to enter the data and the calculations will be performed automatically. Unfortunately, the scores are based on data provided by the State of Texas and they occasionally change the data which requires us to rework the program so as of now the online calculator isn't effective and the score must be calculated using pen and paper.

Parole Guidelines Score

The Parole Guidelines score has numerous factors to be considered. These include:

STATIC ITEMS

Age at First Commitment to a Juvenile or Adult Correction Facility

26 or older

18 to 25

17 or under

History of Supervisory Release Revocations

No probation, parole or mandatory supervision

One revocation

More then one revocation

Prior Incarcerations (Adult or Juvenile)

None

1 or 2

3 or more

Employment or Educational History

At least 6 months of continuous full-time employment or school attendance two years before incarceration

Less than six months of continuous full-time employment or school attendance two years before incarceration

DYNAMIC FACTORS

Inmate's Current Age

Under 25

25-34                                                      

35-44                                                      

45 or over

Active Prison Gang Membership

Yes 

No

Completed GED or high school diploma since incarceration or any time before

Yes 

No

Disciplinary Conduct

Has not lost good time or bonus time in the last 18 months

Has been demoted below entry status or lost good/bonus time in the last 18 months

Zero balance of good time on record

Current custody level

Minimum out

Minimum in

Medium, close custody or ad seg

SCORING

A score of 0 to 5 makes an offender a low risk prospect for release.

A score of 6 to 8 makes an offender a medium risk prospect for parole.

A score of 9 to 11 makes an offender a high-risk prospect for parole.

A score of 12 or better makes an offender a very high-risk prospect

There is also an additional score which is factored in depending on the exact crime which resulted in the conviction. Unfortunately, there are hundreds if not thousands of these.

The way this is scored is preset points are assigned for each possible answer under the items above and  the points are then added together to determine the Parole Guidelines Score and indicate what risk level and prospect the offender is for release on parole.

We did not put the points for each category above as they change periodically but the correct and current scores and a more detailed (but easy to understand) explanation of the calculations is contained in our book, How to Prepare a Texas Parole Packet which is available in both an instantly downloadable ebook format or as a bundle containing a printed copy and a digital copy. The printed copy can be mailed anywhere including to an offender in prison.

Another point in conclusion. We find it is effective to make the Parole Guidelines Score calculations and include them in the parole packet. The method for doing so is also set out in our book.

A Word of Warning:  I have seen several website that explain the Parole Guidelines scores incorrectly or use old data and points for the scoring. Before relying on or using any information you find on the web be sure you verify whether it is current and accurate!