Eric Menendez parole hearing now underway
Lyle and Erik Menendez are pushing to be released after nearly 30 years behind bars.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Erik and Lyle Menendez are heading to their long-awaited parole hearing, marking a huge step forward in their push to be released after 35 years behind bars.
When the brothers attend their individual parole hearings, they'll physically be at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego However, the hearings will take place Thursday and Friday via video conference.
Here's a full breakdown of what to expect and what led up to this point.
Their attorney Mark Geragos said "first day will be Erik, second day will be Lyle."
"There will be different parole board members each day. There will be different lawyers from the D.A.'s office each day, as well, is my understanding," Geragos added. "And you're going to have a different proceeding. Each brother, if you will, stands or falls on their own."
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The hearing panels will be made of one or two parole board commissioners and a deputy commissioner. Commissioners are appointed by the governor and serve three-year terms. Deputy commissioners are administrative law judges employed by the board.
They will decide whether the brothers will walk free after more than three decades in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents.
While the panel tries to determine if the Menendez brothers still pose a risk to the public or are suitable to be released released, commissioners will consider various factors.
That includes their criminal history, prison records and their statements, along with statements from the office of Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and those from the public.
How long each hearing lasts depends on various circumstances, but the average length is 2-3 hours.
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What happens after the parole hearing?
If parole is denied for either brother, they can ask the Board to review the case for errors of fact and to see if corrected, would that lead to a different outcome.
If parole is granted, the parole board's chief counsel will take up to 120 days following the hearing to review the decision for legal or factual errors.
If the parole approval is upheld, the case is sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom will then have 30 days to either grant the parole, reverse the decision or modify it.
If granted parole, they'd be eligible for release immediately after the decision is finalized, which takes about five months, according to the CDCR.
"Newsom can also exercise his clemency power to pardon or release the Menendez brothers at any time," the DA's office said.
ABC News contributed to this report.
