Frequently Asked Questions

What are indeterminate parole hearings?

These are hearings for incarcerated individuals who were sentenced prior to 1978. Their sentence is a span of time such as 10-30 years or 50-150 years. They come before the Board every one, two, three or five years.

Can I, as a victim or victim's family be notified of an Indeterminate or C# individual's parole hearing?

Yes. Victims and complaining witnesses can receive notice of a parole hearing by writing our office to request notifications directly at:

Illinois Prisoner Review Board
Attn: Indeterminate Clerk
319 E Madison Street, Suite A
Springfield, IL 62701

*This is the only way to receive notification of these hearings. Signing up with Victim's Services or other entities such as VINE currently does not mean you will receive notice of parole hearings. You must contact our office. You must also keep our office updated with your current contact information to ensure notification.

**Indeterminate cases are voted upon the month following the individual's scheduled interview date.  Please check the Current En Banc Schedule above to see what cases are scheduled to be voted upon by the Board at the next meeting.  This information is frequently updated. 

How many votes does an indeterminate or C# individual need to have to be granted parole?

Parole is granted upon receiving a vote of the majority of PRB Members assigned to the Board at the time.

What are MSR hearings?

These are hearings that are for individuals sentenced after 1978 to a sentence that has been determined by the court. * The IPRB only sets conditions of parole in these cases. The Board does not control when these individuals are released. They are released upon meeting the time required for their sentence by law.

Can I be notified of hearings for a determinate individual?

No.  The Board does not have hearings to determine these individual's release. They will be released by law with conditions set by the Board.

How long does it take to get a hearing when an individual is arrested on a violation?

Once an individual returns to IDOC for a MSR or Parole/Release violation they are set up on the next available violation docket. These dockets are governed by an entry cutoff date to ensure there is time to compile the information and get the cases to the Members. If the individual admits into the Illinois Department of Correction's facility after the cut off date they will be scheduled for the next docket.

How can I give the Board information or speak on behalf or in protest of an individual's release?

Witnesses with relevant information to the alleged violation or parole hearing can contact our office in writing or call our office to set up a time to appear via video to ​protest or speak on behalf of an individual. Please note that if you would like to be on a list to be present, we must receive your call or request at least 5 business days in advance of the hearing date assess if you are eligible to attend.

How does the Board determine an individual's conditions of their MSR/Parole?

The Board sets conditions according to Illinois Statue (730 ILCS 5/3-3-7 Section a). Conditions of Parole/MSR are set until such time as the Illinois Department of Correction's Parole Agent puts in a written request to remove or modify the condition and/or there is new information presented that was not available at the time of the hearing.

What does the Illinois Prisoner Review Board consider when making their decisions for parole or release?

The Board takes several factors into consideration when making their decisions on a case before them. They review all available file information including the facts of the case, intuitional adjustment, parole plans, programming, parole/release compliance information, victim impact statements and a risk and needs assessment, where available, and public safety.