Back on September 7, I wrote about judicial release eligibility: see, here.
Little did I know, a week later Senate Bill 97 would become effective on 9/14/16, changing judicial release eligibility as it relates to individuals serving five (5) year prison terms and those serving terms more than five (5) years but less than ten (10) years.
Prior to 9/14/16, jail time credit (meaning time spent in local jail while a case is pending) could not be used toward judicial release edibility, meaning, if you were eligible for judicial release after two (2) years, and you spent six (6) months in county jail while your case was pending, that six (6) months did not count toward the two years you had to serve to become eligible for judicial release.
Now, as it relates to those serving five (5) year sentences and those serving more than five(5) but less than ten(10) year sentences, jail time credit does count toward eligibility.
For an individual serving a 5 year sentence, judicial release eligibility is after four(4) years, BUT, now jail time credit does count toward that four (4) years, and for an individual serving more than five (5) years but less than ten(10) years, judicial release eligibility is after five (5) years, BUT, with jail time credit counting toward that five(5) years.
This small change could made a significant difference in some individuals being eligible for judicial release sooner; in some cases, it could shave significant time off sentences.
If you have a family member or friend serving a five (5) year sentence or a sentence of more than five(5) years but less than ten (10) years, please contact me so I can evaluate edibility.
(216) 736-8551
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