I was arrested in 1977, in Illinois, convicted in '78, for a class 1 felony. I elected to be sentenced under the sentencing guidelines in effect prior to '78. The judge sentenced me to 40-60 yrs. & 3 yrs. parole. I was paroled in 2004. I thought I had to serve 3 years parole. I've been told that since I was paroled 3 years before my maximum term was served, I have to serve that time on parole as well as the 3 yr. term. When I spoke with the Il. Dept. of Corrections Record Office Supervisor, I was merely told that this was standard practice-but they could not cite any authority for this practice. I know of many other Indeterminately-sentenced inmates who had larger sentences, e.g., 100-300 yrs., were paroled, and only served the 3 yr. term proscribed by crminial statute. Why would a statute proscribing 1,2 or 3 year parole terms be enacted if the Dept. of Corrections had the authority to hand out what amounts to lifetime parole-for those with a 100-300 sentence and who would be required to serve the maximum of their sentence first-as I am? I cannot get I.D.O.C. to tell me what authority they are relying on in extending my parole term by 3 years, nor can I afford a lawyer. Any advice or insights out there?