The more I delve into the Parole System, nationwide, the more one truth is illuminated: there are no definitive rules and no definitive situations to which they apply. In addition, there seems to be no clear or transparent understanding among those involved. Therefore, those individuals behind the prison wall can have no expectation of consistency and fairness. Ultimately, their freedom lies in the hands of a system that is in much need of an overhaul.
I have been informed that in far too many cases, Parole Hearing Officers, have little to no information about the individual that they are meeting with. They arrive with files with charges and sentences, and NOTHING about the institutional record that should be used in deciding a person's future and return to society.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WALLS, ARE MUCH MORE THAN NUMBERS AND DATA. MORE THAN A CASE IN A FOLDER ON SOMEONE'S DESK.
TYPES OF PAROLE
Discretionary parole means that release from prison is not automatic — it happens only if a parole board (or similar authority) decides an incarcerated person is ready to return to the community before finishing their full sentence.
Discretionary parole is conditional early release granted at the discretion (judgment) of a parole board, based on factors such as:
The person’s behavior and rehabilitation while incarcerated
Their risk of reoffending
Victim or community input
Readiness for successful reentry
The decision is not guaranteed — it depends on how the board interprets the evidence and the person’s progress.
Contrast with Mandatory Parole
Mandatory (or automatic) parole happens by law after serving a specific portion of the sentence — no board decision required.
Discretionary parole happens only if the parole board chooses to grant it after a review.
Imagine someone is sentenced to 20 years but becomes eligible for parole after 10.
If the parole board reviews their case and says,
“You’ve shown change and met our requirements — we’ll release you under supervision,”
That’s discretionary parole.
If the law automatically requires release after 15 years without a board decision, that’s mandatory parole.
Needless to say, in spite of the legal rhetoric provided to the public, "rehabilitation" and "redemption" are not the focus of our criminal system.
However, I do believe that a fair parole system is possible. Wyoming proves that transparency, preparation, and consistent review benefit both incarcerated people and public safety. Why can't we provide this in Maryland as well? Do your research and learn: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/grading_parole.html
Why This Matters for Byron Greene
Byron’s story is not unique — it’s systemic.
repeat. Byron’s story is not unique — it’s systemic.
Maryland’s restrictive parole structure means people like Byron — who demonstrate accountability, growth, and rehabilitation — remain trapped in a system that values procedure over progress.
50-year sentence for an assault charge reflects a broken sense of proportionality.
Years of parole inaction highlight Maryland’s lack of transparent review.
Families like ours bear the weight of state inefficiency, watching sons and fathers age behind bars without fair reconsideration.
Byron’s continued incarceration is a symptom of a failing parole system.
Call to Action
Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/free-byron-greene-exonerate-an-innocent-man-sentenced-to-50-years
Urge Maryland legislators to reform the parole board structure and restore transparency.
Eliminate parole supervision fees that punish families already burdened by incarceration.
Mandate in-person hearings with all voting board members present.
Require written explanations and timelines for every denial.
“Redemption should not be denied by red tape.”
A Mother’s Cry continues to advocate for transparency, fairness, and redemption within Maryland’s justice system.
A Mother's Cry is a voice that will NOT be silenced!
amcjami@gmail.com