Are you facing criminal charges for a crime that involved a victim? Or, is your loved one in prison for a crime that involved one or more victims? Either way, you may be curious to know what type of role victims play in the parole process.
Do victims have a say in whether someone is paroled or not? Does the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (TxBPP) take the victim’s opinion into account when deciding whether to release a prisoner on parole?
About Victims’ Statements
As you are probably aware, there are times when the TxBPP will consider releasing an offender. Under Section 508.153 of the Government Code, it states that the victim, the victim’s guardian, or a close family member of the deceased victim can speak before the board members and give a statement about the “person’s views about the offense, the inmate and the effect of the offense on the victim.”
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the TxBPP board members and parole commissioners cast their votes individually. Additionally, meetings are conducted via phone, or they are held in-person with the lead voter. So, if a victim wants to prevent a prisoner from being released on parole, the victim may contact the TxBPP so they can meet with them in person and offer their statement.
Are Victims Kept Informed?
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has a Case File Management section that assists both concerned citizens and crime victims by keeping them informed about any parole reviews; it also helps victims by requesting that specific conditions be imposed when an offender is released on mandatory supervision or parole; for example, it may require that an offender does not contact a crime victim.
Do you have additional questions about the parole review process in Texas? Or, are you facing criminal charges and seeking legal representation? In either case, don’t hesitate to contact Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a criminal defense consultation!