Reentry into the Nevada Community for Released Individuals

NRS 209.4871 to 209.4889 – Overview of the Programs of Reentry into the Nevada Community for Released Individuals

If you or a loved one completed a prison sentence, the process and transition back into the community at large can be quite difficult and potentially overwhelming, depending on the length of your prison sentence. There is also an unfortunate stigma associated with someone who has a criminal record. This is why you may want to consider enrolling into a program of reentry into the community provided by the Nevada Department of Corrections. The programs can be helpful in facilitating access to job opportunities, acquiring housing, and access to medical and health services for those who are released from prison.

The available programs are codified in Chapter 209 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, specifically NRS 209.4871 through 209.4889.

Definitions of Key Terms Associated with Reentry Programs

According to NRS 213.600, the key terms used NRS 213.600 to 213.635, have a meaning related to the section to be used to explain what they represent.

According to NRS 213.605, the term board is used to refer to the State Board of Parole Commissioners. NRS 213.607 defines the correctional program as initiatives for helping offenders and parolees in their community reentry acts.

Pursuant to NRS 213.609, the term director refers to the Director of the Department of Corrections. The word division, on the other hand, means the Division of Parole and Probation of the Department of Public Safety.

Division programs relate to the set procedures for reentry of prisoners or parolees as defined by the judicial district according to NRS 209.4883.

Requirements for Offenders who Qualify for Programs of Reentry into the Community

Pursuant to NRS 213.625, the Chair of the Board in consultation with the Division has powers to refer a prisoner who is being considered for parole to join the program. However, the Chair of the Board must be convinced that the offender will be willing to participate in the program and benefit the judicial program.

The Chair can also be ordered by the reentry court to approve a person who has qualified for the reentry program to join the initiative according to NRS 209.4883.

Pursuant to NRS 209.4886, a person can join the programs of reentry into the community if under the custody of the Division and is being considered for parole.

Special Considerations for Programs of Reentry

According to subsection four of NRS 213.625, the Board shall consider the criminal history of the person and public safety before ordering a person to take part in the judicial program.

What happens if a Person Violates the Terms of Judicial Program or Parole in Nevada?

Pursuant to NRS 213.630, the reentry court has the power to determine whether the parolee has violated the terms of the judicial program or parole. The court can establish and enforce the appropriate punishment for the violation. The parolee can also be reported to the Board for the misconduct.

The Board has the mandate to take any appropriate action that is within the chapter on the parolee who is reported to have violated the terms of the judicial program according to subsection two of NRS 213.630.

Referral of Prisoners to Reentry Programs

According to NRS 213.632, the guidelines on the referral of persons into the correctional programs are strict on the terms and conditions for referring a potential parolee.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, if a correctional program has been established by the Director in the county in which an offender or parolee may be paroled, the Chair of the Board may, after consulting with the Division, refer a prisoner who is being considered for parole or a parolee who has violated a term or condition of his or her parole to the Director if the Chair believes that the person:

1. Would participate successfully in and benefit from a correctional program; and
2. Has demonstrated a willingness to:
3. Engage in employment or participate in vocational rehabilitation or job skills training; and
4. Meet any existing obligation for restitution to any victim of his or her crime.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the Chair is notified by the Director pursuant to NRS 209.4887 that a person is suitable to participate in a correctional program, the Board may, in accordance with the provisions of this section:

1. If the person is an offender who is being considered for parole, upon the granting of parole to the offender, require as a condition of parole that the offender participate in and complete the correctional program; or
2. If the person is a parolee who has violated a term or condition of his or her parole, order the parolee to participate in and complete the correctional program as a condition of the continuation of his or her parole and in lieu of revoking his or her parole and returning the parolee to confinement.