Conditional Release

Conditional release refers to a mandatory period of extended supervision for individuals released from prison after serving sentences for specific offenses, most notably certain serious sex offenses and felony DWI convictions. This period of supervision, which begins upon release from incarceration, is in addition to any supervised release time served as part of the original sentence. The duration of conditional release can vary, with ten-year terms being common and some offenders facing lifetime conditional release, depending on the nature of their crime and any prior offenses. The Minnesota Department of Corrections imposes strict conditions on individuals on conditional release, including requirements such as completing treatment and aftercare programs and satisfying other conditions deemed appropriate by the commissioner. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in the revocation of conditional release and a return to prison to serve the remainder of the conditional release term. Conditional release aims to provide ongoing monitoring and support for these offenders, promoting rehabilitation and public safety.

 

Conditional release is determined by statutory mandates, not by the Commission. The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) offers a Conditional Release Reference Table as a tool to assist practitioners in applying the appropriate release terms, but it does not have authority over conditional release itself.