Life as an Offender - Release

When an offender is released from prison, it can be an exciting and frightening time for him or her. Facility Counselors and Community Corrections Officers work together to ensure a smooth transition for the offender. The offender is provided with the funds that have been placed in his or her mandatory savings account and is entitled to receive $40 gate money (unless he or she has received this for a release in the past).

Can I pick up the offender when he or she is released?

Yes! You should contact the offender’s Counselor for information. The Department will provide a one-way bus ticket for the offender to return to the county of conviction if there are no other means of transportation.

Are offenders placed on parole when they are released?

Parole is a term used only for sentences prior to 1984. Offenders sentenced for crimes committed between 1984 and July 1, 2000, may require monitoring under Community Supervision or Community Placement. With the passing and implementation of the Offender Accountability Act, offenders sentenced for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000, may serve a period of Community Custody upon release.

The type and length of supervision monitoring upon release varies according to the offender’s circumstances and crime of conviction. This is similar to what used to be called “parole.” The offender must report to the local Community Corrections Office located in the community where he or she will reside after release. The offender will be assigned a Community Corrections Officer (CCO) who will monitor his or her progress in the community. There will be conditions, limitations and restrictions placed on the offender related to travel, behavior, alcohol/drug use, work assignments, etc. The CCO may visit an offender’s home and job site to ensure he or she is experiencing a positive adjustment to life in the community. Offenders must follow the conditions of their supervision or they will be subject to sanctions, which could include being returned to confinement.

Some offenders will be required to develop a release plan, which includes identifying where they will be living and identifying a sponsor (an acceptable, responsible adult) who can oversee the offender’s activities. Staff members can assist an offender in developing a release plan; however, it is ultimately the responsibility of the offender. The plan the offender submits must be investigated, reviewed, and approved by Department staff prior to release.

If the plan is approved, the offender will be released as scheduled. Upon release, the offender must report to the CCO who is assigned to his or her case. The CCO will monitor the offender to ensure compliance with the conditions of supervision and provide assistance to help in his or her transition to the community.

What happens if an offender’s release plan is not approved?

If the offender cannot develop an acceptable release plan, he or she may be kept in prison past his or her earned release date, up to the maximum expiration date of sentence.

What would cause an offender’s release plan to be denied?

An offender’s release plan may be denied if the proposed address places the offender in a situation where he or she is likely to re-offend, the plan is in violation of the Judgment and Sentence or Department conditions, the plan could potentially put citizens in the community at risk, or the sponsor withdraws from sponsorship of the offender.

For example, an offender’s release plan proposed address may be denied when the offender proposes to return to a residence where the victim(s) is in the residence and there is a risk of harm to the victim(s). Another reason for denial could be that the proposed residence places a sex offender in the same house or close proximity to the minor victim’s school, child care center, playground or other facilities where children of similar age could be put at substantial risk of harm by the offender residing at that residence.

Remember that each offender’s situation is unique. While one plan may work for one offender, it may not work for another due to an individual’s specific circumstances.

What happens to an offender who has no family or friends and has no place to go?

Prior to release, an offender’s Counselor will help him or her plan for their upcoming release. This may include helping him or her identify a place to live, how to contact social service agencies for assistance, and information about finding a job.

How does an offender restore his or her right to vote?

In order to regain the right to vote, an offender must have his or her civil rights restored. Civil rights are restored by the issuance of a certificate of discharge. After completing all of the sentence requirements, the Department of Corrections notifies the sentencing court. The sentencing court reviews the case, issues a certificate of discharge, and confirms the certification to the Department. The Department will then provide written notification of the Certification of Discharge and restoration of civil rights. He or she can then register to vote.

However, for convictions committed on or before July 1, 1984, there is a different procedure. Offenders released on parole may be able to obtain an order of discharge from the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. The telephone number for the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board is (360) 493-9266. After serving a suspended sentence or period of probation, he or she may apply to the sentencing court to have his or her civil rights restored.

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