UnCommon Law was founded to provide exceptional legal representation to those who often found themselves unprepared, and without adequate legal assistance, to navigate the subjective and legally intricate components of a parole hearing.
Our staff is led by experts in parole hearing representation for those convicted of violent crime, and our team includes experts in legal advocacy, including habeas corpus litigation and class action lawsuits challenging the Board’s practices and procedures. Together, our team has a deep and unparalleled understanding of the roles, processes, and intricacies of parole policy and law.
Hearing representation
UnCommon Law legal staff build trusting relationships with clients through numerous legal visits, detailed follow-up letters, tailored homework assignments, feedback on client writings, resource connection, community outreach to create parole preparation packets, and comprehensive document review and case assessment. We ensure that we have a detailed and in-depth knowledge of every aspect of the original case, and at the hearing itself, an UnCommon Law attorney represents the client, lets the client tell their story, and guides the process only as necessary.
Unlike state-appointed attorneys, we make a long-term and deep commitment to our clients, beginning at least 6 months prior to the hearing. In the event of a denial, we continue to represent our clients to ensure justice through ongoing advocacy.
Consultations
When UnCommon Law is not able to provide full parole hearing representation, UCL offers written consultations. For a consultation, UCL reviews the client’s records — including prior parole hearing transcripts, psychological evaluations, and accomplishments and discipline while incarcerated. Based on this information, the client is provided a detailed letter, outlining what the client can do order to improve their chances of success, which may include petitioning the Board for an earlier hearing if the client has already received a parole denial.
habeas petitions and class action litigation
UnCommon Law also challenges decisions by the Board and the Governor in court. Having represented thousands of life sentenced people in individual and class action litigation over a dozen years, UCL has learned the most effective ways to advocate for clients in the Superior Court, Court of Appeal, and California Supreme Court when challenging the Board’s denial of parole or the Governor’s reversal of a parole grant.