Notification to Victims and Other Concerned Citizens
Crime Victim Services
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Crime Victim Services (CVS) recognizes that victims of crime often need services long after their offender has been incarcerated. CVS is here to offer support services to crime victims after an offender’s conviction. Our mission is to ensure the rights of crime victims are recognized and protected during the correctional process. CVS serves as a point of contact within corrections that is sensitive to the needs of crime victims.
Crime Victim Rights Act
The William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim’s Rights Act. P.A. 87 of 1985, as amended, provides certain rights to victims of crimes. Crime victims, as defined by law, shall have the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process and the right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused. The victim also has a right to restitution.
Who is a Victim? Co-victim?
An individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial or emotional harm because of the commission of a crime is considered a “victim.” Spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or guardians may also qualify as a victim if the victim is deceased or is physically unable to exercise their privileges and rights as a victim.
Individuals who do not qualify under the definition of a “victim,” may receive some notifications. You may also submit correspondence to the parole board for their review prior to the parole consideration process to express your concerns.
How Do I Request to be Notified?
You may request notification by completing a MDOC Crime Victim Notification Request form available from the Prosecuting Attorney, contacting CVS, or use the following link:
Download Crime Victim Notification Request Form
What Services Do We Provide?
CVS is proud to offer the following services:
- Written notification
- Telephone notification through the Michigan Victim Information Notification Network
- Information and referral on MDOC programs, facilities, parole, and probation offices
- On-line web site services
- Assistance with MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- Collaborative partnering with county prosecutor offices and statewide agencies to assist victims
Will My Name, Address, Telephone Numbers and Statement Be Kept Confidential?
Yes. Names, addresses, phone numbers and statements provided to MDOC are exempt from disclosure under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act.
Change of Address
Those registered for services through CVS must always maintain a current address and telephone number(s). If your address or telephone number(s) change, you must immediately notify Crime Victim Services in writing with your signature to ensure future notifications.
What Written Notifications Will I Receive?
- The prisoner’s earliest parole eligibility date.
- The transfer of the prisoner to a minimum security facility and the address of that facility.
- Discharge release of the prisoner. This notice will be sent 90 days before the prisoner is discharged on his or her maximum sentence or when released by court order.
- Notice of a public hearing regarding a reprieve, commutation or pardon of the prisoner’s sentence by the Governor, or a public hearing scheduled for a prisoner serving a life sentence where the parole board has voted to consider parole. In addition, a notice will be sent if a reprieve, commutation or pardon is granted.
- Escape of the prisoner
- The victim has the right to provide a written, telephone or in-person statement for consideration by the parole board members. Co-victims or other concerned citizens may provide a written statement.
- Notice of the parole board decision
- Prisoner Placement in Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI)
- Prior to placing a prisoner in SAI, the MDOC must send notification to the sentencing judge to ensure the judge does not have any objections, unless the judge has already approved placement at the time of sentencing. A copy of this notification will be provided to the victim.
- Movement to and from Special Alternative Incarceration.
- Prisoner’s Legal Name Change.
- New Conviction(s).
- Parole Violation. Notice that a prisoner has been returned from parole status to a correctional facility due to an alleged violation of the conditions of his or her parole.
What is MI-VINE?
The Michigan Victim Information Notification Network (MI-VINE) is a statewide program that CVS participates in to provide telephone notification to those registered. Telephone notifications will be made in the event of an escape, discharge by court order or release on bond, as well as on paroles and discharge of prisoners.
Once a person is registered with CVS, they will automatically receive telephone notifications. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be issued in writing to confirm any future telephone notifications.
The Parole Consideration Process
Registered victims will receive a notice at least 30 days prior to a parole review of a prisoner. At that time, you may choose ONE of the following options: (All three options are treated equal.)
- You may provide a written statement by writing a letter to the parole board. The statement may be mailed or emailed.
- You may give your statement over the telephone to a member of the parole board.
- You may give your statement over Microsoft Teams to a parole board member.
- You may give your statement by coming to Lansing and speaking to a parole board member.
Registered co-victims and other concerned citizens will receive a notice at least 30 days prior to a parole review of a prisoner. You may submit written correspondence to the parole board to express any concerns or fears you may have.
The parole board panel will review the case and make a decision. Once a decision has been made, a notice will be mailed to you within 14 days.
Restitution
An order of restitution entered under Section 16 of the Act remains effective until it is satisfied in full. An order of restitution is a judgment and LIEN against all property of the defendant for the amount specified in the order of restitution. The LIEN may be recorded as provided by law.
When restitution is ordered by the court, it will automatically be made a special condition of a prisoner’s parole.
Probation
Victims may register for notification regarding probationers. A one-time notice will be provided acknowledging the receipt of registration. If the probation is revoked and the defendant is sentenced to MDOC, the victim will be notified and sent a Crime Victim Notification Request form to submit for notices as outlined in the brochure.
