In almost all states, victims of the crimes committed by inmates incarcerated in prison are notified if their assailant is being considered for release or parole. In some states, crime victims are notified of the parole hearing while in others, the crime victim must register with the state correctional authority. In still others, your right to notification only occurs with various serious crimes, such as rape, kidnapping, or murder.

Though the specifics vary from state to state, typically, upon receiving notice, you will be advised as to your rights in that state to have input in the decision-making process, either in a written statement or by personally attending the parole hearing, or both. A few states allow crime victims to voice their opinion/statement on videotape.

(Reviewed 12-08)