Victim Services - Maryland Parole Commission

The Victim Services Unit of the Maryland Parole Commission encourages victim input as an integral part of the decision-making process.

This Unit specifically assesses and addresses the needs of victims of crime by providing comprehensive and consistent victim services throughout the parole process. This is achieved by implementing basic victim rights:

• Identifying crime victims,
• Notifying victims in a timely manner of upcoming parole proceedings and results,
• Explaining rights guaranteed by statute,
• Encouraging victim input,
• Ensuring victim confidentiality, and
• Providing accurate and appropriate referrals for additional resources.

The Unit is committed to the premise that crime victims will receive the rights and respect to which they are entitled.

How is a parole hearing date determined?

The parole hearing date depends on:

• The length of the offender's sentence,
• Maryland law concerning eligibility, and
• Whether part or all of the sentence is to be served without parole.

How will I know when the parole hearing will be held?

An individual who has made a written request will be notified in advance of the hearing.

Parole hearings can be opened by:

• The victim of a violent crime,
• The personal representative of a deceased victim,
• The parent of a minor victim,
• The victim of domestic violence, and
• The victim of child abuse.

What rights do victims have in the parole process?

A victim may:

• Submit a written impact statement,
• Meet with a Parole Commissioner,
• Open the hearing (if eligible),
• Be present at the hearing and speak for five minutes.

Relatives or other responsible adults may:

• Request an office appointment with a Commissioner,
• Submit letters or pertinent data relative to an offender's parole consideration,
• Speak with the victim services coordinator, and
• Request to attend a parole hearing that has been opened by a victim.

Will I know the results of the hearing?

If you made a written request for notification, you will be notified in writing.

What could the results be?

The Commission can:

• Approve the offender for release,
• Rehear the offender at a future date to be determined by the Commissioner, or
• Deny the offender parole.

For more information about:

Open parole hearings, a case that involves you, or an offender's parole status, contact:

Victim Services Coordinator
Maryland Parole Commission
6776 Reisterstown Road Suite 307
Baltimore, MD 21215

Phone: 410-585-3213
Toll Free: 877-241-5428
TTY: 410-486-0677
FAX: 410-764-4355