In Illinois, people use the term “parole” when they talk about options that allow someone to be released from jail or prison after serving a portion of their sentence. Technically, Illinois abolished parole for crimes committed after 1978, meaning that people convicted after this date are not eligible for traditional parole (although people convicted before 1978 may still qualify).
Instead, Illinois now uses a system called “mandatory supervised release” (MSR), which acts similarly to parole. If you have questions about eligibility or how Illinois laws apply to your case, consulting a knowledgeable Illinois criminal defense attorney is crucial.
What Is Mandatory Supervised Release in Illinois?
Mandatory supervised release (MSR) is very similar to parole, but it is automatically applied to almost all prison sentences. When someone is released from prison after completing their sentence, they are not fully free; instead, they must serve a designated period under MSR.