Judicial Release
A Second Chance Begins Here
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Guiding eligible inmates through the judicial release process to help rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Prison shouldn’t define the rest of your story. When circumstances change and you’ve shown real rehabilitation, Ohio’s judicial release process can bring you back to your family and community. Since 1996, Attorney Tom Kollin has prepared and argued judicial release motions across Dayton and Greene County, turning years of remaining time into supervised freedom for deserving clients.
What Judicial Release Is (and Isn’t)
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2929.20, the judge who sentenced you may convert eligible prison time to community control (probation)—often up to five years—after specific waiting periods. Judicial release is not automatic; it requires a persuasive demonstration of rehabilitation, public safety readiness, and a concrete reentry plan.
- < 2 years: Eligible upon arrival at prison
- 2–5 years: Eligible after 180 days
- 5 years: Eligible after 4 years
- 5–10 years: Eligible after 5 years
- 10 years: Longer, case-specific waiting periods
Mandatory prison terms (e.g., many violent or aggravated drug offenses) are not eligible.
Why Choose The Kollin Firm
With decades in local courts, Attorney Kollin understands what resonates with the bench—and what doesn’t. He pairs that insight with meticulous preparation: analyzing sentence structure and institutional records, coordinating character support, and structuring a reentry plan that addresses housing, employment, transportation, and supervision compliance
Getting Started With Judicial Release
When you contact The Kollin Firm, we begin with a detailed review of your sentence, eligibility window, and institutional file. We then build the motion record, verify reentry supports, and file at the optimal time. Before the hearing, we rehearse likely questions and refine the presentation so the court hears a clear, evidence-backed story of rehabilitation and readiness.
How We Build a Winning Motion
1. Eligibility & Timing Analysis
We review your sentence, waiting period, and institutional record to decide when to file—and when to wait.
2. Document Strategy
We assemble the motion package: institutional summary, program completions, certificates, character references, and verified reentry supports.
3. Reentry Plan Development
We document stable housing, job prospects, transportation, and support systems to demonstrate readiness for community supervision.
4. Risk & Relationships
We assess offense facts, any victim input, prior community-control performance, and public-safety concerns—then address them head-on.
5. Hearing Preparation
We prepare you for judicial questioning and present a concise, credible narrative of rehabilitation and accountability.
Factors That Influence Success
- Institutional behavior & programming: Clean conduct, consistent participation, and achievements matter.
- Nature of the offense: Non-violent cases generally receive more favorable consideration.
- Victim input: Courts weigh victim notifications and objections, particularly in cases involving serious harm.
- Prior supervision history: A successful past probation record strengthens credibility.
- Strength of the reentry plan: Specific, documented supports carry weight.
Judicial release isn’t about serving time quietly; it’s about proving transformation. Judges want to see that you used incarceration constructively and have a concrete plan for safe, successful reentry.
Attorney Tom Kollin
The Kollin Firm’s Judicial Release Workflow (At a Glance)
- Initial Consult → sentence/eligibility review
- Records Request → institutional summaries, programming, certificates
- Case Development → motion drafting, references, plan documentation
- Filing & Service → timely submission with supporting exhibits
- Hearing → focused presentation and response to judicial concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for judicial release if I have a Reagan Tokes sentence?
Yes. Despite common misconceptions, individuals sentenced under the Reagan Tokes Law (F1 and F2 felonies with extended supervision periods) remain eligible for judicial release. The presumptive minimum term—not the extended maximum—determines your eligibility.
What if I was sentenced in multiple counties?
If your sentences span multiple counties, each county judge must approve your release. A denial from any one county prevents release until a later filing window.
How long does the judicial release process take?
Timelines vary by county and judge. Some motions are reviewed quickly, while others—especially those set for hearings—may take several months, particularly in larger counties.
Can judicial release be part of my plea agreement?
Yes. In certain plea agreements, the prosecution may agree not to oppose your judicial release petition after a minimum period of good behavior. However, approval still rests solely with the judge.
What happens if the judge denies my petition?
Judicial release decisions are discretionary and cannot be appealed. That’s why your first petition must be as strong and complete as possible, supported by an attorney who knows what persuades local judges.
Should I file immediately upon arriving in prison?
Filing too soon is rarely effective. Judges generally expect to see a demonstrated period of good behavior and personal progress before considering early release.
How does earned credit affect eligibility?
Good behavior and program completions can shorten your sentence. For example, most inmates earn five days per month for good conduct, and program achievements (like earning a degree) can reduce time served even further. These credits also move up your judicial release eligibility date.
Do all counties handle judicial release the same way?
No. Each county has its own process. For instance, Montgomery County often conducts pre-release investigations to verify housing and employment plans, while other counties rely solely on the written motion and judicial discretion
Contact Attorney Tom Kollin Today
Every day behind bars represents lost time with family, missed opportunities, and delayed rebuilding. Judicial release provides deserving individuals with a second chance to demonstrate rehabilitation and rejoin their communities.
We proudly serve Beavercreek, Xenia, Fairborn, Yellow Springs, Cedarville, Bellbrook, Jamestown, and all surrounding Greene County communities.
