Reviewed on: April 22,2026

What Does It Mean When DOC Sets an Earliest Release Date?

My bf was arrested and has been in jail for two months. Was on a parole hold but now d.o.c says his earliest release date is Aug 2. What does that mean? Could it mean he can bond out that day?

Asked: July 29, 2016
Author: Kecia
Ask the inmate answer
1

No, it does not mean he can bond out on that date. An earliest release date set by the Department of Corrections means the system has calculated the minimum point at which he becomes eligible for release based on his sentence. It is the floor, not a guarantee, and it has nothing to do with bail or bonding out.

What most likely happened is that the parole hold was resolved and he was sentenced on whatever he was picked up for, or the parole violation itself resulted in time being imposed. The DOC then calculated his sentence and posted August 2 as the earliest date he could walk out, assuming he earns his good time credits and has no disciplinary issues between now and then.

On that date, if everything stays clean, he would be released through the normal discharge process, not through a bail transaction. Bail applies before sentencing. Once someone has been sentenced and is in the DOC system serving time, they are not bonding out. They are serving until their release date arrives.

August 2 is the target. Keep the lines of communication going until then.

https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate/what-does-it-mean-when-doc-sets-an-earliest-release-date#answer
Accepted Answer Date Created: July 30,2016

Thank you for trying AMP!

You got lucky! We have no ad to show to you!