Frequently Asked Questions

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 may also be effected by county jail credits, statutory good time, meritorious credits and work credits.

Questions

Any questions regarding an inmate's time, classification or inmate status in prison should be directed to the central administrative office of the NDOC. The number of the main desk is (775) 887-3285.

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.

There are 20 facilities and institutions in the State of Nevada. All parole hearings are held at the Parole Board’s Northern or Southern offices via video conference to the location where the inmate is housed.

Parole Violation (PV) hearings are held at High Desert State Prison (HDSP), Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center (FMWCC), and Northern Nevada Correctional Center (NNCC).

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

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.

Prisoners may be assisted by a representative of their choice during the hearing. Testimony may be limited to applicable victims, the prisoner who is being considered for parole, and the prisoner's representative if any.

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 to 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.

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. They 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.

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.