Frequently Asked Questions

I am a victim of a crime and the offender who was just sentenced is now eligible for parole. How can that be?	How long does it take for an inmate to be released on parole once granted?	I am a victim of crime and am afraid of retaliation if I oppose parole. What can I do?
What is the difference between Parole and Probation?	Can a family member testify at a parole hearing on behalf of the inmate?	A parolee owes me restitution, how do I collect?
Where are parole hearings held?	Are inmates represented at parole hearings?	How long of a period can an inmate be denied parole?
Is it true that inmates must have money in their account in order to get a parole?

I am a victim of a crime and the offender who was just sentenced is now eligible for parole. How can that be?

The Parole Board does not determine when an inmate will become eligible for parole. The timekeeper's division within the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) determines parole eligibility based on the laws in effect when the offense occurred, and the sentence imposed by the Court. Eligibility dates can also be effected by county jail credits, statutory good time, meritorious credits and work credits. Any questions regarding an inmates time or questions regarding classification or inmate status in prison should be directed to the central administrative office of the NDOC at (775) 887-3285.

What is the difference between Parole and Probation?

Parole is the term used to describe offenders that have been incarcerated in a prison facility and released prior to the court imposed expiration date. Parolees serve their time in the community and can be returned to prison for violating any of the conditions of parole imposed by the Board of Parole Commissioners.

Probation is the term used to describe offenders that have been convicted of an offense but whose prison sentence is suspended. Probation is very similar to parole except that probationers have not served prison time on their suspended sentence and the sentencing judge maintains jurisdiction over the probationer.

Where are parole hearings held?

There are 19 facilities and institutions in the State of Nevada. Members of the Parole Board and case hearing representatives travel throughout the State and conduct hearings at the location the inmate is housed. Nevada inmates serving their sentence out of state are considered for parole in absentia at the Carson City office. Hearings held to consider parole for inmates on house arrest will be held in the parole board offices, P&P offices, or in rural NDOC facilities closest to the location where the inmate resides.

How long does it take for an inmate to be released on parole once granted?

Inmates are typically seen by the Board four months prior to parole eligibility. The reason for this is to allow enough time for a thorough investigation to be conducted on those inmates granted parole with regard to the parolee's residence and programs etc. Inmates can not be released on parole until the minimum eligibility date is met, and the parole plan has been approved by Parole and Probation. Questions regarding the status of an inmate after being granted parole should be addressed to the Division of Parole and Probation, Pre-Release section at 775-687-5040.

A parolee owes me restitution, how do I collect?

The Parole Board has made it a standard condition of parole to pay any applicable fees, fines and restitution on a schedule determined by the Division of Parole and Probation. Restitution is collected by P&P, then dispersed accordingly through their accounting system. Please contact the restitution accounting section within P&P at 775-687-5040.

Are inmates represented at parole hearings?

Inmates are not represented during parole hearings.

Can a family member testify at a parole hearing on behalf of the inmate?

Only victims have the legal right to offer testimony during a parole hearing. The board may solicit comments from other persons in attendance during the hearing but encourages anyone in support of or against parole provide their comments in writing and submit those to the board. Written comments will become a permanent part of the record and will allow other board members to review all available information.

I am a victim of crime and am afraid of retaliation if I oppose parole. What can I do?

Information submitted to the board by a victim is maintained by the board and kept confidential by statute. Victims of crime may attend the parole hearing and offer testimony, or may schedule a meeting with a commissioner in one of the board offices prior to the hearing if the victim desires such input to be kept confidential.

How long of a period can an inmate be denied parole?

The Board can deny parole for periods of up to three years. If ten or more years remain on an inmate's sentence, the board may deny parole for up to five years (NRS 213.142).

NO. Many inmates are paroled into residential programs or half-way houses. The administrators of these programs understand that most people being released from prison have little or no money. These programs will assist the parolee in gaining employment and at that time, the parolee is required to make payments toward rent.

Other inmates have family or friends that will provide a residence for them. The Division of Parole and Probation will investigate all release plans to ensure the living environment is conducive to assisting the parolee to remain at liberty without violating the law or conditions of parole.

Inmates who desire to self-parole must show that they have funds available to them to establish a residence. Most inmates do not self-parole. Having funds available to enable an inmate to self-parole does not guarantee the Board will authorize it. Although an inmate may have the means to self-parole, the Board may require that the parolee participate in a residential treatment program or half-way house program for a specific period of time or until the parolee has demonstrated a willingness to participate in treatment and continue to make positive commitments to change.