Which of the following is true about discretionary parole?

Discretionary parole refers to the process where a parole board evaluates an inmate's behavior, rehabilitation, and readiness for release prior to serving their complete sentence. The key aspect of discretionary parole is that it allows the parole board to exercise their judgment when deciding whether an inmate qualifies for early release. This decision is based on a range of factors, including the individual's conduct while incarcerated, their rehabilitation efforts, and potential risk of reoffending.

The nature of discretionary parole means that not every inmate is automatically granted release after meeting a certain amount of time served; it hinges on the assessment by the parole board. This is fundamentally different from mandatory parole, where release is granted automatically after serving a specified portion of the sentence.

It is also important to note that discretionary parole can be available to various categories of offenders, including those convicted of violent crimes, depending on the specific regulations and policies of the jurisdiction. Lastly, once granted, discretionary parole does not provide an absolute guarantee of remaining free; it can indeed be revoked if the individual violates the terms of their release.

This multifaceted decision-making process emphasizes the critical role of the parole board in balancing community safety and the rehabilitation of offenders.