District Of Columbia § 24-404 - Authorization of parole; custody; discharge.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 24-404 — Authorization of parole; custody; discharge., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-404. Authorization of parole; custody; discharge.
24-404Whenever it shall appear to the United States Parole Commission (“Commission”) that there is a reasonable probability that a prisoner will live and remain at liberty without violating the law, that his or her release is not incompatible with the welfare of society, and that he or she has served the minimum sentence imposed or the prescribed portion of his or her sentence, as the case may be, the Commission may authorize his or her release on parole upon such terms and conditions as the Commission shall from time to time prescribe. While on parole, a parolee shall remain in the legal custody and under the control of the Attorney General of the United States or his or her authorized representative until:
The expiration of the maximum of the term or terms specified in his or her sentence without regard to good time allowance; or
The Commission terminates legal custody over such parolee under subsection (a-1) of this section.
Upon its own motion or upon request of a parolee, the Commission may terminate legal custody over the parolee before expiration of the parolee’s sentence.
Two years after a parolee’s release on parole, and at least annually thereafter, the Commission shall review that parolee’s status to determine the need for continued legal custody and may terminate legal custody over the parolee if, in its discretion, the Commission determines that continued legal custody is no longer needed.
Five years after a parolee’s release on parole, the Commission shall terminate legal custody over the parolee unless the Commission determines, after a hearing, that legal custody of the parolee should not be terminated because there is a likelihood that the parolee will violate any criminal law.
If the Commission does not terminate legal custody under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Commission:
May conduct a hearing annually, if the parolee so requests, to determine whether to terminate legal custody of the parolee; and
Shall conduct a hearing every 2 years to determine whether to terminate legal custody of the parolee.
In calculating a time period under this subsection, the Commission shall exclude:
Any period of release on parole before the most recent such release; and
Any period served in confinement on any other sentence.
The provisions of subsection (a-1) of this section shall apply to a person who is on parole on or after May 20, 2009.
For a person released on parole prior to May 20, 2009, determinations by the Commission whether to terminate legal custody under subsection (a-1)(2) or (3) of this section, as applicable, shall be made within one year after May 20, 2009.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (a-1), and (a-2) of this section, the Council of the District of Columbia may promulgate rules and regulations under which the Commission, in its discretion, may discharge a parolee from supervision prior to the expiration of the maximum term or terms for which he was sentenced.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 24-404
What does D.C. Code § 24-404 cover?
Section 24-404 ("Authorization of parole; custody; discharge.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 24-404?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 24-404" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 24-404 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.