Juvenile offenders facing parole in Michigan represent one of the most rapidly evolving areas of criminal law. In the past, many juveniles were sentenced to mandatory life without parole (LWOP) for serious offenses such as homicide. However, landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including Miller v. Alabama (2012) and Montgomery v. Louisiana (2016), dramatically changed the legal landscape. These rulings established that mandatory LWOP for juveniles is unconstitutional and that states must provide meaningful opportunities for release based on demonstrated rehabilitation.
Michigan has since undertaken widespread resentencing of juvenile lifers, and the Parole Board now plays a pivotal role in determining whether these individuals can safely reintegrate into society. Recent reforms and advocacy have centered on the issue of Michigan parole for juveniles, highlighting both legal challenges and the importance of ensuring fair parole hearings.
When navigating complex appeals related to juvenile lifer resentencing or parole, working with an experienced Michigan appellate attorney can help challenge procedural errors, argue constitutional claims, and advocate for second chances under evolving state and federal legal standards.
The Supreme Court decisions that reshaped juvenile sentencing include:
These rulings are grounded in the principle that children are constitutionally different from adults for sentencing purposes, less culpable, more capable of change, and deserving of individualized consideration.
Michigan had one of the highest populations of juvenile lifers in the nation. Following Miller and Montgomery, state courts began resentencing hundreds of individuals. Many were resentenced to terms of years or life with parole eligibility. Under MCL 769.25a, prosecutors may still seek life without parole in certain instances, but courts are required to hold hearings and consider youth-related mitigating factors. As a result, the Parole Board is now reviewing an increasing number of parole-eligible juvenile lifers.
For juveniles resentenced to life with parole eligibility or lengthy terms, parole eligibility generally arises after 25 to 40 years, depending on the resentencing order. The Parole Board evaluates juvenile offenders under the same statutory framework, MCL 791.233e and MCL 791.234, but with heightened consideration of youth factors, rehabilitation, and maturity gained over the course of decades of incarceration.
The Board considers traditional parole factorssuch as institutional conduct, rehabilitation programs, evaluations, and parole plansbut also looks closely at youth-specific issues, including:
Because juveniles are considered more capable of rehabilitation, strong evidence of growth carries significant weight.
Despite legal reforms, juvenile parole cases continue to be challenging. Many victims and prosecutors strongly oppose release, arguing that the seriousness of the original offense justifies continued incarceration. The Parole Board must balance these concerns with constitutional requirements for meaningful parole opportunities. Prisoners must therefore present overwhelming evidence of transformation to overcome resistance.
Juvenile parole cases demand meticulous preparation. Best practices include:
At Grabel & Associates, we help clients organize this evidence into comprehensive parole packages.
Because juvenile parole cases are both legally complex and emotionally charged, the presence of legal counsel is essential. At Grabel & Associates, we:
Our 25 years of experience ensure that juvenile lifers seeking parole have every possible advantage.
Parole for juvenile offenders in Michigan reflects the evolving understanding that children are different from adults. Although many juvenile lifers now have opportunities for release, success depends on presenting extraordinary evidence of rehabilitation, maturity, and readiness to reintegrate. At Grabel & Associates, we are committed to ensuring that every juvenile parole case is prepared with the care, strategy, and advocacy needed to meet this high standard.
Appealing a conviction is never easy. To have any chance, you need a knowledgeable, skilled, and seasoned team of attorneys. That’s why you need us. Contact us online or call our 24/7 defense hotline at 1-800-342-7896.