Frequently Asked Questions

Victim Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a victim?

The definition of "victim" as set forth by NRS 209.4837 1981, 616 is "A natural person, governmental agency, unincorporated association or business organization which is physically injured or otherwise suffers any damages as a direct result of a criminal act for which the offender is incarcerated".  Family members including a spouse, parent, legal guardian, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling or spouse's parent may also qualify as a vicitim if the victim is unable to exercise their rights.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes.  All victim information is kept confidential.  Only a select group of people, such as victim advocates working for government agencies, have access to victim information for the purposes of notification.

How do I request to be notified?

Victims may request notification by completing the Victim Notification Request form and provide it to the Victim Services Unit directly.  Contact information for the Victim Services Unit is printed on the form.

How are notifications provided?

Notifications are provided primarily through automated means. Some victim-specific notifications may only be provided by mail. Victims are encouraged to fill out and submit a Victim Notification Request Form and keep their contact information updated with both the NDOC and the automated notification service to ensure accurate and timely notification.

Am I automatically registered for notifications when the offender arrives at the Department of Corrections?

No.  Due to the confidential nature of victim information, the Department of Corrections is given no information regarding the victims of incarcerated offenders.

What information about the offender can be provided?

The Victim Services Unit provides notifications about sentence structure such as the parole eligibility date and projected expiration date, discharge, death, escape, and re-capture.  The Victim Services Unit cannot provide information about the offender's internal disciplinary history or programming information.

Will I be notified of parole hearings?

Victims whose current mailing address is on file with the Department of Corrections will receive these notifications from the Victim Services Coordinator at the Parole Board Commissioners.  This notification letter will contain information about how to submit victim input for the parole hearing.  The Department of Corrections will send notification of an offender's discharge to Nevada Division of Parole and Probation only when the offender has a locked in parole release date.

Can I collect restitution through the Department of Corrections?

No.  All victim restitution is processed through the Victim Restitution Unit of the Division of Parole and Probation.