Governor Henry Signs Victims' Notification Bill

Tuesday, June 3rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has signed the victim's notification bill, which requires victims and witnesses of crime in Oklahoma to be notified when an offender is released earlier than expected.

In cases of rape, counselors say many assaults happen near the victim's home. So, if the offender is released early and the victim is not notified, they could unknowingly be sharing the same streets.

The law's authors say many people don't know, with the recomendation of a pardon and parole board, the Governor can commute any sentence - even life without parole.

BAILEY: "I think I would be fearful of them trying to retaliate against me because of what I did, going through the charging process, through the parole hearings, I put up quite a big stance."

Not every sentence reduction results in a criminal actually being released. The victims' notification measure goes into effect in November.