§ 16-90-1113 - Consideration of victim impact statement at parole hearing. - Arkansas Statutes

16-90-1113. Consideration of victim impact statement at parole hearing.

(a) (1) (A) Before determining whether to release the defendant on parole, the Parole Board shall permit the victim to present a written victim impact statement concerning the effects of the crime on the victim, the circumstances surrounding the crime, the manner in which the crime was perpetrated, and the victim's opinion regarding whether the defendant should be released on parole.

(B) At the victim's option, the victim may present the statement orally at the parole hearing.

(2) The board shall give the defendant a copy of all written victim impact statements.

(b) The board, in deciding whether to release a prisoner on parole, shall consider among other factors:

(1) Victim impact statements presented under subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) Victim impact statements presented to the sentencing court under 16-90-1112.