ALABAMA, USA — It's National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles is emphasizing the importance of crime victims having their voices heard at upcoming parole and pardon hearings.
Parole and pardon hearings in Alabama have been suspended due to the national and statewide health emergency in the wake of the spread of the coronavirus. Hearings will resume the week of May 18, after completion of a 30-day notification period, required under Alabama law.
The governor’s seventh Supplemental State of Emergency Proclamation, issued on April 13, states all provisions in Alabama law allowing for individuals to appear in person to Board of Pardons and Paroles hearings are suspended.
The Board is urging citizens not to appear at Board offices on May 19 when hearings resume, but to submit statements in writing for inclusion in the hearing records.
Crime victims, victim’s representatives, victim’s advocates, officials, or law enforcement officers can submit their statements referencing the inmate’s name and AIS number in one of the following ways:
- victim.services@paroles.alabama.gov
- Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles, Victim Services, 100 Capitol Commerce Boulevard, Suite 310,Montgomery, AL 36117
- 334-353-1143
If you are calling in your statement:
- don't leave statements on voice mail
- leave your name and phone number, and a staff member will return the call
National Victims’ Rights Week was started in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, to acknowledge the abuse and trauma that victims of crime often go through and to recognize the work of advocates who support victims across the country.
Prosecutors, advocacy groups and others hold victim vigils statewide to honor victims of violent crimes. Due to COVID-19, many are holding virtual vigils this week.
The Bureau of Pardons and Paroles offers victims and victims’ families a place they can turn to for answers before and after the pardon or parole hearing. The victim service officer’s goal is to assist victims so they can fully participate in the pardon and parole hearing process.
You can find information about upcoming parole hearings and COVID-19 changes here.
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