Parole Hearing Information
Timelines for requesting to participate in a parole hearing
California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 2057 requires victims, family members of the victim, designated representatives and support persons request to participate in a parole suitability hearing at least 15 days prior to the hearing. Any requests made after these deadlines will not be approved, however, any person may submit a written statement to OVSRS (victimservices@cdcr.ca.gov) or the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH.CorrespondenceUnit@cdcr.ca.gov).
Living Victims of the crime, members of the victim’s family and their designated representative, appearing personally or by counsel, who have informed the department’s Office of Victim and Survivor Rights Services of their intention to attend the hearing at least 15 days prior to the hearing.
If you have questions, or need assistance, please contact OVSRS via phone at 1-877-256-6877 or via email at victimservices@cdcr.ca.gov
Important Information
- Parole Process
- Board of Parole Hearings (BPH)
- Impact Statement Writing Guide
- Parole Hearing Travel Voucher
- Marsy’s Law
- Stages of the Mourning Process
What is a parole hearing?
A parole proceeding is a hearing to determine whether an offender is suitable for release to parole supervision and is not a current, unreasonable risk of danger to the public.
Who can attend a parole hearing?
The victim or if the victim has died, family members may attend and speak at the proceeding in the following order of priority:
- Spouse (including registered domestic partners)
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Grandchildren
- Grandparents
Victims and their families may choose to designate a representative to speak on their behalf or send counsel in-lieu of their appearance. If you choose to have a representative speak on your behalf, please notify the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS). Please be aware that many hearing rooms are relatively small and, therefore, the number of individuals allowed to attend the hearing may be limited.
How can I be notified of a parole hearing?
When requested, the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) will notify the victim or the victim’s family of an upcoming parole proceeding.
Requests MUST be made in writing or by calling the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights & Services (OVSRS). If you move you MUST notify OVSRS of your new address.
What do I do if I want to attend a parole hearing?
Call the Victim Services Coordinator at the OVSRS at least 15 days before the hearing. This will give the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation enough time to clear you for entry into the correctional facility where the proceeding will be held.
If you cannot attend a parole proceeding in person there may be additional options available. Some institutions have the ability to provide video or audio conferencing. Video conferencing is typically in coordination with your local county District Attorney’s office and OVSRS. Please contact OVSRS to coordinate video or audio conferencing.
How do I request compensation for travel costs to a parole hearing?
The Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) has funds available through a federal grant which allows for reimbursement for costs associated with travel to a parole proceeding. This project was supported by funding awarded by Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), funded through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). To request reimbursement please fill out State of California Form.
What do I do if I want to order a transcript of the parole proceeding?
Approximately 30 days upon completion of an offender’s proceeding before the Board, a stenographic record (transcript) of the proceeding will be available. Crime victims and their families can request transcripts of parole proceedings by accessing the Board of Parole Hearings web page.
Additional Resources
Parole Justice Works
Parole Justice Works (PJW) provides education and resources to victims/survivors and their family members who are interested in participating in California’s parole hearing process.