Lawsuit says Arkansas parole policies unconstitutionally deny access to attorneys

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas sued top prison officials in federal court Monday, alleging that the state’s parole revocation procedures unconstitutionally deprive people of their due process rights.

The lawsuit claims that Arkansas’ parole policies — also known as post-prison transfer — unconstitutionally denies parolees access to attorneys. It also claims that Arkansas parole officers often pressure people facing revocation into waiving their rights without explaining the potential consequences of doing so.

“Arkansas …