State Board of Parole Commissioners

NRS 213.1071 thru NRS 213.1079 – Overview of the Powers and Duties Vested in the Division of Parole and Probation

The stated mission of the Division of Parole and Probation of the Department of Public Safety is to enhance community safety while assisting the Parole Board, and thus the Courts, by supervising offenders and helping them to reintegrate into society successfully.

History of the Division of Parole and Probation

This is an overview of how the Division of Parole and Probation first came to fruition in Nevada and how it has changed throughout the years.

• July 4, 1864, The Nevada Constitution provided for the commuting of punishments and the granting of pardons.
• 1867 – Nevada authorized Governor Henry G. Blasdel, Attorney-General George A. Nourse, and Justice of the Supreme Court James F. Lewis to take these actions, creating their first Pardon’s Board.
• 1909 – the Pardons Board was given the authority to parole prisoners.
• 1945 – The Nevada Legislature created the Department of Parole.
• 1951 – The Nevada Legislature passed laws giving District Courts the ability to suspend sentences and grant probation.
• 1954 – The Parole Department was given charge of probationers.
• 1969 – The Nevada Legislature created the Department of Parole and Probation.

Leadership Hierarchy of the Division of Parole and Probation

The Division is composed of the Chief Parole Officer. That’s it. In fact, from 1945 until 1954, the Parole Department consisted only of the Chief. It wasn’t until the Department was expanded to include care of the probationers that four other officers were added. After being divided into three districts in 1959 and a fourth in 1965, the Legislature finally authorized the addition of nine more officers to the Department.

About the Chief of the Division

The Chief of the Division in 2019 is Natalie Wood. Being the Chief Parole and Probation Officer, her duties are to manage all the Division services, activities, and the Division itself. She has the authority to:

• Make changes wherever necessary to make the Division efficient;
• Appoint people to head up sections of the Division;
• Appoint as many employees as necessary (within a set limit) to carry out the duties of the Division; and
• Establish “standards of service” guidelines. – One standard that’s set in the statutes, protecting you, is that your information can only be passed on to privileged people unless explicitly stated in a statute. (NRS 213.1075)

Common Questions About Parole and Probation in Nevada

Do parolees have to pay fees?

• Answer: Yes, parolees are obligated to pay certain fees to help cover the cost of parole services.

What happens if a parolee cannot pay?

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• Answer: It is possible to seek a reduced fee or request to have it waived altogether. However, if the fee is not waived, make sure you’re paying it because it is a condition of your parole. Not paying it can get you arrested, have your level of supervision raised to residential confinement, or even get you thrown into prison to serve out the remainder of your sentence.

Are there different levels of supervision?

• Answer: The supervision level of each parolee is individually set by the court or the Division. It’s based on several factors. Your status may change, however, and so might your supervision level. For instance, if you prove good behavior and trustworthiness, you may earn less supervision. Levels of supervision are reviewed every six months at the least.

How does someone get court-ordered counseling?

• Answer: The Division of Parole and Probation may have an independent facility established for providing parolees and probationers services. These services might include:
• Counseling;
• Mental Health;
• Addiction programs;
• Help to obtain employment; and/or
• Health care

Have You Been Accused of Violating Your Parole in Nevada? Take Action and Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been accused of violating your parole or probation in Las Vegas, now is the time to take action by contacting an experienced, skilled and respected criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas.  This is why it makes sense to reach out to LV Criminal Defense. Our talented legal team is ready to assist you in your time of need. We stand ready to take on the tough cases in both state and federal courts in Nevada. Contact our firm today by calling 702-623-6362 to schedule a confidential, no-cost case review.