What Do I Need to Know About Parole?
In Virginia, the Parole Board has the authority (by Virginia Code Section 53.1-136) to make key decisions that can impact a person’s freedom:
These three key determinations are:
- Whether to conditionally release inmates who are eligible for parole;
- “[whether] to revoke parole and post release supervision of those under supervision found to be in violation of the terms of their release,” and
- Whether to investigate and prepare reports.
The Parole Board has “the legal responsibility” to act on geriatric requests for conditional release. Virginia Code Section 53.1-40.1 enforces this responsibility.
If you are on parole and seek a professional explanation and assessment of your rights, or if you seek to defend the charges brought against you by the Commonwealth, consider speaking with your trusted local Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer.
Does the Parole Board contact the alleged victim in a criminal case? Yes, it may. Under Virginia Code Section 53.1-155, the Board may investigate matters prior to a person’s release. For example, the Board is required to “endeavor” diligently” to speak to the alleged victim BEFORE it makes a decision to release a confined person on “discretionary parole.”
When you’ve been charged with a crime – or perhaps a loved one has been charged and you are concerned – you may seek the advice of an experienced attorney local to Virginia Beach, who can assist you throughout the stressful court proceedings. For information on probation, parole eligibility, and Community Corrections, see the Virginia Department of Corrections State Website, located here.