Finding out a prisoner’s release date can be important for family members, friends, and legal representatives.
Here are several methods to obtain this information…
Methods to Find a Prisoner’s Release Date
- Online Inmate Locator Tools
- State Department of Corrections (DOC) Websites – Many state DOCs have online tools where you can search for inmates by name, inmate number, or other identifying details. These tools often provide the inmate’s release date.
- Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator – For federal inmates, you can use the BOP’s Inmate Locator tool.
- Contacting the Facility
- Call the Prison – You can call the prison where the inmate is housed and ask for the inmate’s release date. Be prepared to provide the inmate’s full name and inmate number.
- Visit the Facility – If you can visit in person, the facility’s information desk or administrative office can often provide this information.
- Third-Party Inmate Locator Websites – Websites like VINELink, InmateAid, and JailExchange aggregate information from multiple jurisdictions and can provide release dates for inmates.
- Probation and Parole Offices – If the inmate is set to be released on parole, the local probation and parole office may have the release date information.
- Court Records – In some cases, release dates are documented in court records. You can search for case information on the website of the court where the inmate was sentenced.
- Attorney or Legal Representative – If you are a legal representative or have one, they can request this information on your behalf.
Detailed Steps for Each Method
Using State DOC Websites
- Visit the State DOC Website – Search online for the Department of Corrections website for the state where the inmate is incarcerated (e.g., “California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation”).
- Navigate to the Inmate Locator Tool – Look for a link or section labeled “Inmate Locator,” “Inmate Search,” or similar.
- Enter the Required Information – Input the inmate’s full name, inmate number, and any other requested details (e.g., date of birth).
- Find the Release Date – Review the search results to find the inmate’s release date and other relevant information.
Using the Federal BOP Inmate Locator
- Go to the BOP Inmate Locator Website – Visit BOP Inmate Locator.
- Enter the Inmate’s Information – You can search by the inmate’s name or BOP register number.
- Retrieve the Release Date – The search results will display the inmate’s release date and other relevant information.
Contacting the Facility
- Find the Facility’s Contact Information – Look up the phone number or address of the jail or prison where the inmate is located.
- Call the Facility –Contact the facility’s main line and ask to speak to the records or information department.
- Provide Necessary Details – Give the inmate’s full name and inmate number.
- Receive the Release Date – The staff should be able to provide the inmate’s release date if you provide adequate identification and reasons.
Example: Using VINELink
- Visit the VINELink Website – Go to VINELink.
- Choose the State – Select the state where the inmate is incarcerated.
- Enter the Inmate’s Information – Provide the inmate’s name, ID number, or other identifying information.
- Retrieve the Release Date – Review the search results for the inmate’s release date and other relevant details.
Tips for Effective Searches
- Accurate Information – Ensure you have the correct spelling of the inmate’s name, inmate number, and any other identifying details to streamline the search process.
- Multiple Attempts – If you do not find the information online, try contacting the facility directly or using another method listed above.
- Legal Assistance – If you encounter difficulties, consider seeking assistance from a legal representative who may have more direct access to inmate information.
To find out a prisoner’s release date, you can use online inmate locator tools provided by state DOCs or the Federal BOP, contact the facility directly, use third-party inmate locator websites, check court records, or seek assistance from probation and parole offices or legal representatives. Ensure you have accurate information to make the search process smoother and more efficient.