Non-violent offenses, carjackings and armed robberies are among the crimes that may qualify a person to be considered for the possibility of parole, under the new Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act. Chair of the Senate Corrections Committee, Democrat Juan Barnett of Heidelberg, says the general public has nothing to fear.
“These individuals still have to go through the parole board so there’s been things that have been discussed with the parole board and MDOC to start letting these individuals who will become eligible for parole what things they need to start doing in order to be able to take advantage of this bill,” said Barnett.
Someone who commits a carjacking has to serve 60 percent or 25 years whichever comes first. A non-violent offender must serve 25 percent or 10 years. Those who stay out of trouble and are engaged in education and workforce training programs will be considered.
“We’re just trying to get away from this lock them up forever and throw away the key. That’s not just a burden upon the individual or their families but the taxpayers of Mississippi,” said Barnett.
Barnett says case managers and the department of corrections will track when inmates become eligible to be considered for parole. Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain reviews all requests for parole.
“Anytime someone gets out I’m going to sign it and know it. But we’re not going to sign it to let him go until we have the opinion of the victim, also the sheriff weighs in many times, the district attorney,” said Cain.
Crimes like sexual offenses, drug and human trafficking and murders do not qualify for parole under this law. It takes effect July 1.
