O.J. Simpson’s Parole–Yes or No?

Photo–LA Times

The parole hearing of the century will be decided this afternoon.A parole board will decide whether to grant O.J. Simpson parole. Parole is defined as:

“The conditional release of a person convicted of a crime prior to the expiration of that person’s term of imprisonment, subject to both the supervision of the correctional authorities during the remainder of the term and a resumption of the imprisonment upon violation of the conditions imposed.”

O.J. Simpson was convicted in 2008 for armed robbery and kidnapping of two memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas hotel. O.J. claimed that he was retrieving family items and memorabilia taken without permission by a former manager.
He was sentenced to serve up to 33 years in the Nevada state prison system.

At the time of his Nevada conviction, many thought his Nevada sentence for a first time offender was harsh, and that Simpson was really facing justice for the alleged killing of his former wife, Nicole Brown and her friend, Ron Goldman in 1994.

The 1995 televised trial of Simpson and the jury verdict of innocence captivated the entire country. The public was mesmerized by Johnnie Cochran’s brilliant defense of O.J. The defense was based on alleged tainted evidence, racism, and other controversial issues. We will never forget Cochran’s famous statement to the jury, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” The quip referred to the prosecution’s mistake of asking Simpson to put on a glove found at the murder scene, which was too tight for Simpson’s hand at trial.

The parole board will consider the circumstances of the crime, the inmate’s remorse, the inmate’s record in prison, the inmate’s age, and his potential to commit another offense, if paroled.

We already know that at a 2013 parole hearing, Simpson received parole for the armed robbery conviction. The parole hearing on Thursday covers the remaining charges.

The parole board will hear today that O.J. Simpson has had no infractions during his imprisonment, he has helped other inmates, and that he is 70 years old. He has been described as a model inmate at Lovelock Correctional Center, a medium-security prison.

“Simpson has stayed out of trouble there,” said Brooke Keast, spokeswoman for the Nevada Department of Corrections. “We haven’t heard much from him.”

Additionally, Bruce Fromong, one of the Nevada victims,is expected to appear at the hearing and support Simpson’s release.

The parole board does not consider any alleged crime, where the defendant was found innocent.

Update: O.J. Simpson was granted parole today. O.J. could be released as early as Oct. 1.

By: Bradley Schwartz
Founder of prisonpath.com
Prison Consultant