Current CDCR guidance recognizes participation by victims, qualifying family members, designated representatives, support persons, and counsel. The exact appearance and reservation process should be confirmed for the scheduled hearing.
What counsel can do before the hearing
- Confirm the hearing date and current OVSRS participation procedure.
- Help the victim or family decide whether to appear personally, use a representative, or submit a written statement.
- Organize the statement around current impact, safety, and the issues relevant to parole.
- Prepare the participant for the hearing format and sequence.
- Identify whether special parole-condition requests should be raised through a separate CDCR process.
Advance coordination is important
CDCR currently instructs victims and qualifying participants to request participation at least 15 days before a parole suitability hearing. A late request may prevent live participation, although written submissions may still be available. The current OVSRS instructions should be checked rather than relying on an old hearing notice or prior procedure.
What counsel does not do
Victim counsel does not control the Board’s decision and cannot promise that parole will be granted or denied. The role is to make sure the victim or family understands the process, is properly registered and prepared, and has a focused opportunity to provide information through the procedures the Board recognizes.