Texas Parole Good Time Credit- Government Code 498.003

If you are trying to figure out good time credit for parole purposes it’s important to know about line classes and work time.

What is good time credit?

Let’s look at the government code.

Texas Government Code 498.003(a) tells us that-

Good conduct time applies only to eligibility for parole or mandatory supervision as provided by Section 508.145or 508.147and does not otherwise affect an inmate’s term. Good conduct time is a privilege and not a right. Regardless of the classification of an inmate, the department may grant good conduct time to the inmate only if the department finds that the inmate is actively engaged in an agricultural, vocational, or educational endeavor, in an industrial program or other work program, or in a treatment program, unless the department finds that the inmate is not capable of participating in such a program or endeavor.

Good time credit only applies for parole and mandatory release so it won’t shorten the sentence imposed by the trial court. It’s a privilege and not a right, which is just a way of saying TDCJ can take the days away and you can’t do much about that. If you want good time credit then an inmate must be actively engaged in some program, unless they can’t do any programs (most likely due to disability etc).

How much good time credit do you get in Texas?

Depends on your classification.

Texas Government Code 498.003(b) says-

What about work time?

Everyone but Class III can get 15 days of work time for each 30 days they serve.