Tips for Attending a Parole Hearing

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, you might want to testify at the criminal's parole hearing. Essentially, this process is used to determine whether or not an offender has served sufficient time to be released into society. Parole hearings come up at regular intervals depending on the offender's record and his or her sentence, and parole is not granted to every criminal.

If you've decided you want to attend a parole hearing, you'll need to let the sentencing judge or your attorney know of your interest. In most cases, witnesses and victims are notified by mail when the offender is up for parole, and you'll be invited (or even subpoenaed) to testify for or against parole. In other cases, however, you'll have to express interest and make sure you are notified of upcoming hearings.

Even if you are the victim of a violent crime, you have every right to testify according to your own feelings at a parole hearing. If you feel that the offender has served enough of his time, you can feel free to give a favorable recommendation to the parole board. This is seldom the case, however, and victims are usually against release regardless of the crime. The parole board will take your testimony into consideration.

What you do need to know, however, is that a parole hearing can be a painful experience. For victims, it is often difficult to face their attacker again, and it can dredge up terrible memories that are better left in the past. The parole board can subpoena you to testify even if you aren't inclined, but most sentencing judges will grant you a release from the subpoena if you can demonstrate that it would be harmful for your mental or physical health.