NEW BOARD MEMBERS…A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

New changes are taking place at the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.  Recently, longtime board member Robert P. Longshore announced his retirement.  Eddie Cook, former Assistant Executive Director to Phil Bryant, took Mr. Longshore’s place.  On the heels of his retirement also comes the retirement of longtime board member Bill Wynne, whose last day was  August 1, 2016.  Former Assistant D.A. Lyn Head from Tuscaloosa County will replace Mr. Wynne in September.

As an attorney, this brings bittersweet memories for me.  Tomorrow will be the very first time I have not appeared before the Board without both Mr. Longshore and Mr. Wynne rounding out the 3-member panel.  I thank them for their service and I look forward to appearing before Eddie Cook and Lyn Head, in their newly appointed positions.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLES AND PARDONS?

While I cannot speak for the new board members, I can tell you what I hope this means for those seeking to get out of prison or obtain a pardon so they can move on with their lives.  I hope that this change it Board members brings about a positive impact on the number of inmates they release from prison; especially those that have committed non-violent offenses.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS + NEW PROCEDURES

In one of my earlier posts, I discussed a scoring system sheet that the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles began using the beginning of this year,which requires them to classify an inmate and score their readiness for parole using a variety of factors. Changes to the Board also require the agency to state the reasons inmates are DENIED parole.  These newly implemented procedures coupled with the new Board members will hopefully help to ease the prison overcrowding in Alabama.

UPDATES

Eddie Cook returned to his position as Assistant Executive Director.  Mr. Terry G. Davis was appointed April 17, 2017, by Gov. Ivey.  Mr. Davis is a former lawyer in Montgomery, having handled civil and criminal cases for over thirty (30) years.  I look forward to having parole and pardon cases before Mr. Davis.