Release Date
A release date is the date on which an incarcerated person is scheduled to be released from custody. Release dates can be projected (estimated) or confirmed based on sentence calculations, good time credits, and parole decisions. Federal inmate release dates are publicly available through the BOP inmate locator at bop.gov. State inmate release information varies by state and may be found through the state DOC offender search.
What Is Release Date?
Release dates in the federal system are calculated based on the sentence imposed, time served, and good time credits earned. Federal inmates generally earn 54 days of good time credit per year. The BOP inmate locator shows a projected release date that updates as credits are earned.
For state inmates, release date information varies by state. Some states make projected release dates publicly available through their offender search tools while others restrict this information. Parole board decisions can change release dates for those serving indeterminate sentences.
Related Terms
Explore other glossary terms that are closely connected to this topic.
Parole
Parole is a form of early release from prison that allows a person to serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community rather than in a facility.
AdministrationReentry
Reentry refers to the process of transitioning from incarceration back into the community, including finding housing, employment, and support services.
Facility TypesHalfway House
A halfway house, also called a Residential Reentry Center (RRC), is a transitional facility where people are placed toward the end of their prison sentence to help them reintegrate into the community.
AdministrationInmate Search
An inmate search is the process of using an official online database or locator tool to find where a specific person is currently incarcerated, including their facility location and basic status information.
People Also Ask
Related questions families often search for alongside this topic.
What is Parole?
Parole is a form of early release from prison that allows a person to serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community rather than in a facility.
Read full definitionWhat is Reentry?
Reentry refers to the process of transitioning from incarceration back into the community, including finding housing, employment, and support services.
Read full definitionWhat is Halfway House?
A halfway house, also called a Residential Reentry Center (RRC), is a transitional facility where people are placed toward the end of their prison sentence to help them reintegrate into the community.
Read full definitionWhat is Inmate Search?
An inmate search is the process of using an official online database or locator tool to find where a specific person is currently incarcerated, including their facility location and basic status information.
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