Victim Services Division

The Victim's Role in the Parole Process

Submit Protest or Other Information

The Victim Services Division receives and processes protest letters and other information submitted by crime victims and concerned citizens for review by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. This is in accordance with Section 508.153, Government Code.

When submitting correspondence to the Victim Services Division, it is important to include the offender's name and TDCJ # or SID # (State Identification Number). You may email, fax or mail your protest letters or other information to:

TDCJ - Victim Services Division
8712 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 265
Austin, Texas 78757
E-mail: victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov

Request to Appear in Person before (Meet with) the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board)

When the Board is considering an offender for release, Section 508.153, Government Code allows "the victim, guardian of the victim or close relative of a deceased victim to appear in person before the board members to present a statement of the person's views about the offense, the inmate and the effect of the offense on the victim." The board members and parole commissioners review and vote on cases individually. The meeting can be conducted by telephone, in-person, or by video teleconference with the lead (first) voter. You may also request accompaniment service from the Board Victim Liaison Program. More information about accompaniment can be found on their website.

To request to meet with a voting member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles prior to their decision, please contact the Victim Services Division toll-free at (800) 848-4284, (512) 406-5900 (Austin), or by e-mail at victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov. Please remember to include the offender's name and TDCJ # or SID #.

Request Special Conditions of Release

Our Notification and Direct Services sections assist victims and concerned citizens by informing them of the parole review process, explaining victims' rights and assisting victims who are requesting that conditions be imposed on an offender's release to parole or mandatory supervision.

Conditions are imposed by the Board and include, but are not limited to, prohibiting an offender from residing in a specific Texas county(ies) or requiring electronic monitoring. In accordance with Section 508.191, Government Code the Board is required to impose a condition prohibiting the offender from contacting the crime victim.

To request special conditions of release, please contact the Victim Services Division toll-free at (800) 848-4284, (512) 406-5900 (Austin) or by e-mail at victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov. Please remember to include the offender's name and TDCJ # or SID #.

For additional information regarding the parole review process, please contact the Victim Services Division or visit the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles website.