Mandatory Supervised Release ("Parole")

Once an individual sentenced to prison serves their prison sentence, upon release they are supervised in the community under Mandatory Supervised Release (MSR, “Parole”) by parole agents who work for the Illinois Department of Corrections. The length of time individuals are supervised on MRS is set by state statute and corresponds to the felony class of the crime for which they were sentenced to prison, generally ranging from six months (for most Class 3 and 4 Felonies) to 3 years (for Murder). For individuals convicted of some sex offenses, their MSR period is indeterminate, with a minimum of 3 years and up to lifetime supervision. Those sentenced to prison for domestic violence offenses are supervised on MSR for 4 years. Individuals under MSR supervision must follow specific rules and conditions, which can include not possessing firearms or narcotics, reporting to a parole agent, allowing home and work visits by parole officers, and obtaining permission for certain actions like leaving the state or changing residence or job. Upon successful completion of MSR, the individual is no longer under supervision.