Frequently Asked Victim Related Questions
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact:
Randi Z. Losalu
307.777.5390
Bopvictimservices@state.wy.us
- How do I request information and notification? Back To The Top
Victims must complete a notification request form which can be obtained here or at the county prosecutor’s office where the crime was committed. Complete and have the prosecutor’s office notarize the form. The form is then sent to the DOC office for input into the database.
- What type of information is available to me as a victim? Back To The Top
The Board of Parole sends out notification regarding hearing dates for parole, review and revocation hearings, grants and conditions, modifications, absconsion and apprehension, as well as release to and from parole (discharge).
- Why do I have to register to become a certified victim? Back To The Top
It is important for a victim to register and become certified not only to ensure that you are the victim in the case, but to also add the victim into the database to receive notifications.
- Can I contact the BOP if I have questions and am not certified? Back To The Top
Limited information is available from the Board office unless the person is certified. The Board office will try to best answer any question you have as long as it is within the statutory limits. If we cannot answer your question, we can direct you to someone who can better assist you.
- Can a certified victim learn of the offender’s programming while in the institution? Back To The Top
If a certified victim requests this information, the Board staff will send a Consent to Release Confidential Information form to the offender. It is then up to the offender if he/she will allow the information to be shared.
- Why is the offender up for a parole hearing when he/she hasn’t served the whole sentence? Back To The Top
When sentenced, an offender receives a sentence with a minimum and maximum sentence (i.e., 6 to 8 years). Typically, an offender will serve 2/3 of the minimum sentence and 3/4 of the maximum sentence assuming they earn all of their good time. For example, a 6 to 10 year sentence would then become a 4 to 6 year sentence.
An offender that is within a year of the eligibility date will be heard for a parole hearing. If the offender is not yet eligible, the offender is heard for a review hearing.
- How do victims let the Parole Board members know their views? Back To The Top
- In person (personal appearance)
- Phone Conference
- Video/Audio Recording
- Written Statement
Victims can submit input at every stage of the parole process. Notifications of hearings are generally mailed 30-45 days prior to the inmate’s hearing. Victims can provide input to the Board by the following ways:
- What issues do I need to address if I send in materials or appear before the Board? Back To The Top
- The impact the crime had on you and your family both then and now
- Any ongoing concerns you may have about the offender’s potential release
The Board is interested to hear about:
- Will victims appear in front of the offender? Back To The Top
No. Victims are heard at a separate location from the offender for security and confidentiality purposes. The offender will not know of victim participation unless the victim shares that information. Victims can bring support persons, or a victim advocate can be requested.
- Can victims request a “no contact” order as part of the conditions of parole? Back To The Top
Yes. Victims can request the parole conditions include no contact with the victim. If ordered by the Board, any violations will be grounds for revocation of the parole. However, if the victim feels a no contact order should be in place, it is highly suggested that the victim also get a protection order.
- How far in advance will I be notified of the offender’s release? Back To The Top
You will be notified within 10 days after a parole grant has been issued. Assuming the offender’s parole eligibility has been reached, release to parole generally occurs at least 30 days after the grant but can take up to 90 days if the offender is being released to another state. Parole grants contingent upon completion of a particular program (such as DOC residential addiction treatment or Adult Community Corrections programs) may delay release up to 1 year. Exact release dates cannot be provided in advance. However, the Board of Parole does mail notices to victims advising of pending releases which are expected to occur within the next 5 days. The DOC then sends a confirmation of release after it has occurred.
- Will I be notified of the offender’s location of parole? Back To The Top
Yes, the victim will be notified of the particular city and state where the offender will reside. However, residential addresses and contact information are generally not provided.