On what basis can the BPH decide to keep me on parole past my PDD instead of letting me off early?
The BPH must have “good cause” to keep you on parole past your presumptive discharge date (PDD), if you are entitled to one.[402] The law sets out broad factors that may count as “good cause” to keep you on parole — such as your original crime, in-prison behavior, and parole adjustment (defined on PG. 154 above).[403] At this time, there are no published court cases challenging a BPH finding of good cause for keeping someone on parole, so unfortunately there isn’t much legal guidance. If you are trying to challenge a finding of good cause, it may help for you to show the BPH as much evidence as possible that you have adjusted well to parole, followed all your parole conditions, made efforts to pay off your restitution, complied with any registration requirements, and made significant efforts to turn your life around (both in prison and after release) since your commitment offense. Include documentation of any employment, education or training, as well as certificates for completing programs that helped you improve yourself or learn new skills.
REMINDER! you can challenge factual mistakes in your parole agent’s discharge review report
If your parole agent or parole staff makes a FACTUAL MISTAKE in a recommendation to the BPH about whether or not you should be discharged early, you can challenge that mistake through a 602 appeal (see PG. 178 for that process). (15 Cal. Code Regs. § 3723).