No. Parole hearings are conducted at 293 Greystone Blvd., Columbia, SC with the use of videoconferencing technology. During parole hearings, inmates are located at one of the SC Department of Corrections Institutions. The inmates communicate with the Board via videoconferencing, and are not seen by victims.
There is a possibility of seeing the applicant on the day of the hearing if you wish to participate in person. There are other participation options available to you. However, every effort is made to ensure that there is no contact between the victim and the pardon applicant. During the pardon hearings, victims who wish to participate in person wait in a separate waiting room, and do not present testimony until after the applicant has left the room.
We ask that you limit the number to five persons. In fairness to all victims who may want to attend that day, we want to make sure there is adequate space for everyone. However, if you feel that you must bring more than five, contact the Office of Victim Services at 803-734-4770 or 1-888-551-4118.
There is ample free parking on all sides of the building. Handicapped parking is available also. Note the front door of the building does not face Greystone Blvd.
The Office of Victim Services requests cases with victims participating be heard as soon as possible during a hearing day; however, where there are multiple cases with victim participation or other administrative reasons, wait times may extend to one or more hours. You are welcome to bring books, etc. to occupy your time while you wait.
The Parole Board hears up to 65 cases per day so their time is limited. Although there is no “set” time limit, usually a victim's comments last no more than 5 minutes.
Yes, you can participate virtually, by phone, by statement, from a remote site or in some cases you may submit a DVD. All participation options are outlined in the hearing notice you will receive. Please note deadlines associated with participation options.
He (or she) will not have a parole hearing and will be automatically rejected at the inmate’s request.