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ARTICLE BODY
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Parole and Probation in Virginia
If someone you love is on parole or probation in Virginia, or if you have just gotten out and are trying to understand what is expected of you, this guide is written for both of you. Virginia abolished discretionary parole in 1995 for felony offenses committed on or after January 1 of that year. That means the vast majority of people in Virginia state prisons today are not eligible for parole in the traditional sense. They serve at least 85 percent of their sentence and may earn good time credits toward an earlier release date. The Virginia Parole Board still exists and still matters - for pre-1995 cases, for geriatric conditional release requests, and for handling all parole revocations and clemency recommendations. Understanding which side of the 1995 line your person falls on is the starting point.
The 1995 dividing line
Virginia has two completely different release systems depending on the offense date.
For offenses committed before January 1, 1995, traditional discretionary parole applies. The Virginia Parole Board reviews eligible cases and makes release decisions. A shrinking population of people in Virginia prisons falls into this category.
For offenses committed on or after January 1, 1995, discretionary parole was abolished. People serving these sentences must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence. Good time credits can be earned toward an earlier release date within that framework. The Parole Board has no authority to grant discretionary parole for these cases.
What still comes through the Virginia Parole Board
Even though discretionary parole is largely gone, the Virginia Parole Board retains significant authority over several categories.
Pre-1995 cases: The Board reviews all eligible inmates who committed their crimes before January 1, 1995, and makes conditional release decisions.
Geriatric conditional release: Under Virginia Code §53.1-40.01, the Parole Board is responsible for acting on requests for conditional release from elderly or infirm inmates regardless of offense date. The Board annually considers qualifying individuals for this type of release.
Mandatory parole: Virginia Code §53.1-159 requires that every person sentenced to the Department of Corrections be released on parole by the Parole Board six months before their final release date, provided they have served a minimum of three months. People released this way are subject to a minimum of six months of supervision.
Revocations: The Board handles revocations of both parole and post-release supervision for people found to be in violation of their release conditions.
Clemency: The Board investigates, prepares reports, and advises the Governor on executive clemency requests when asked.
VADOC probation and parole officers carry out all parole supervision in the community on behalf of the Parole Board.
Advocacy note: As of July 1, 2024, advocacy parties supporting an inmate's parole or geriatric conditional release can only schedule Board appointments every two years. Victims may schedule Board appointments annually or as needed. The Board accepts support letters at any time.
How to find someone in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Corrections maintains a public Inmate and Supervisee Locator at vadoc.virginia.gov. This tool covers both people currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities and people supervised in the community - including those on probation, post-release supervision, and parole. Search by DOC ID number, name, or location. The locator is updated daily.
VADOC also operates NAAVI - the Notification and Assistance for Victim Inclusion system - for crime victims who want automated notifications about changes in an inmate's status. This is Virginia's victim notification system.
For county and city jail inmates, Virginia has 95 counties and 38 independent cities, many with their own jails. County and city jail inmates are not in the VADOC search. Contact the local sheriff or jail directly.
VADOC contact: P.O. Box 26963, Richmond VA 23261; (804) 674-3000.
Post-release supervision for post-1994 sentences
For people who committed felonies on or after January 1, 1995, courts may impose a period of post-release supervision as part of the sentence. This is court-ordered supervised release that follows the prison term. VADOC probation and parole officers supervise people on post-release supervision in the community.
Post-release supervision conditions are set by the sentencing court and may include regular reporting, drug and alcohol testing, employment requirements, residence restrictions, and any treatment or programming the court orders.
The Parole Board handles revocations for people who violate post-release supervision conditions, just as it handles parole revocations.
How probation works in Virginia
Probation in Virginia is court-ordered. At sentencing, a judge may order a period of supervised probation when a person is released from incarceration, or as an alternative to incarceration. Conditions are set by the court. VADOC's Division of Community Corrections supervises all probationers through regional offices statewide.
Standard probation conditions include regular reporting to a probation officer, remaining in Virginia, no new criminal conduct, drug and alcohol testing, maintaining approved housing and employment, and compliance with any treatment or programming ordered by the court.
Probation violations are handled by the sentencing court, which can modify conditions, continue probation, or revoke and impose incarceration.
The 85% rule and good time credits
For post-1994 felony sentences, Virginia requires that a person serve at least 85 percent of the sentence. Good time credits can be earned for positive behavior and participation in programs - these credits work toward an earlier release date within the 85 percent framework and toward the mandatory parole release date six months before the sentence end.
For families tracking release timelines: the minimum is 85 percent, but good time credits can reduce that in practice. VADOC's Time Computation page has general sentencing information, and the VADOC Inmate and Supervisee Locator shows projected release dates.
Voting rights in Virginia: current rules and 2026 ballot measure
Under current Virginia law, a felony conviction results in the loss of voting rights. People with felony convictions - including those currently on probation, parole, or post-release supervision - must apply to the Governor for restoration of their voting rights. This is not automatic.
On November 3, 2026, Virginia voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that, if passed, would automatically restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people upon release from prison and upon completion of any further requirements including parole, probation, or payment of fines. This would replace the current system requiring gubernatorial restoration.
Until that amendment passes - if it does - the current system applies: apply to the Governor for restoration. An attorney can assist with this process.
Reporting and your supervision officer
This section is for the person on supervision. On parole or post-release supervision, your officer works for VADOC's Division of Community Corrections. The parole officer is your daily contact for conditions, reporting, and approvals.
On probation, your officer also works for VADOC's Division of Community Corrections under the direction of the sentencing court.
Know your conditions. Read the parole conditions or probation order and keep a copy. Contact your officer before making any changes to address, employment, or travel.
For families: use the VADOC Inmate and Supervisee Locator to confirm custody or supervision status. For Parole Board matters including pre-1995 cases and geriatric conditional release, contact the Virginia Parole Board directly. For victim notifications, register with NAAVI through VADOC.
Violations: what families should know
For parole and post-release supervision violations, the Virginia Parole Board handles revocation proceedings. A violation can result in return to a VADOC correctional facility.
For probation violations, the sentencing court holds the revocation hearing and can modify, continue, or revoke probation.
In both cases: get an attorney involved immediately. Document mitigating circumstances. Show up.
Early termination and getting off supervision
The Parole Board can discharge from parole supervision early when warranted.
For probation and post-release supervision, the sentencing court can terminate supervision early on petition.
Virginia has a process for expungement and record sealing of certain records. Separately, people with felony convictions can petition the Governor for restoration of civil rights including voting rights. An attorney is the right resource for both.
[Internal link block to render at foot of article:]
- See every prison and jail in Virginia: /prisons/virginia
- Send mail or photos to someone in Virginia: InmateAid mail and photos service
- Send money to someone in Virginia: InmateAid send money
- Search arrest records in Virginia: Arrest Record Search (honestly labeled affiliate)
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Frequently asked questions
Did Virginia abolish parole?
Discretionary parole was abolished for felony offenses committed on or after January 1, 1995. The Virginia Parole Board still exists for pre-1995 cases, geriatric conditional release, mandatory parole, and revocations.
What is the 85% rule in Virginia?
People convicted of felonies committed on or after January 1, 1995 must serve at least 85% of their sentence. Good time credits can be earned toward an earlier release date within that framework.
What is mandatory parole in Virginia?
Under Virginia Code §53.1-159, every person sentenced to DOC must be released on parole six months before their final release date, having served a minimum of three months. Subject to at least six months of supervision.
What is geriatric conditional release?
A pathway under Virginia Code §53.1-40.01 allowing elderly or infirm inmates to petition for conditional release regardless of offense date. The Parole Board reviews these annually.
Who supervises parole and probation in Virginia?
VADOC's Division of Community Corrections probation and parole officers, statewide. They supervise parolees on behalf of the Parole Board, and supervise probationers for the courts.
How do I find someone in Virginia custody?
Use the VADOC Inmate and Supervisee Locator at vadoc.virginia.gov by DOC ID, name, or location. It covers both incarcerated people and those under community supervision. Updated daily.
What is NAAVI?
Virginia's victim notification system - Notification and Assistance for Victim Inclusion - operated by VADOC for crime victims who want alerts about inmate status changes.
What is post-release supervision in Virginia?
Court-ordered community supervision following a post-1994 prison sentence. Conditions set by the court; supervised by VADOC officers; revocations handled by the Parole Board.
Can people on parole vote in Virginia?
Not currently without gubernatorial restoration. Virginia requires people with felony convictions to apply to the Governor to restore voting rights. A November 2026 ballot amendment would change this to automatic restoration upon release and completion of supervision.
What changed for Parole Board appointments in 2024?
Effective July 1, 2024, advocacy parties supporting an inmate can only schedule Board appointments every two years. Victims may still schedule annually. The Board accepts support letters at any time.
What did Virginia do about Red Onion State Prison?
In June and July 2025, state lawmakers visited Red Onion State Prison in Wise County amid reports of deteriorating conditions and prolonged lockdowns, and began discussing potential parole system changes. No legislative action confirmed as of this writing.
Can probation be terminated early in Virginia?
Yes. The sentencing court can terminate probation or post-release supervision early on petition. The Parole Board can discharge parole supervision early when warranted. =====================================================