Prisoners’ Rights Office – Montpelier, VT

Prisoners’ Rights Office Overview

The Prisoners’ Rights Office (PRO) is a division of the Office of the Defender General of Vermont. Located on Baldwin Street near the State House, this office is statutorily mandated to safeguard the rights of individuals in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections. Unlike public defenders who handle criminal defense, the PRO focuses on conditions of confinement and post-conviction civil issues. The office provides a critical check on the corrections system, investigating complaints and advocating for humane treatment in accordance with state and federal laws.

Scope of Services

• Conditions of Confinement: Investigates complaints regarding medical and mental health care, sanitation, safety, and use of force within correctional facilities.
• Administrative Advocacy: Represents inmates in disputes over sentence calculations, disciplinary actions, and classification status.
• Parole and Furlough: Assists individuals with issues related to parole eligibility, furlough release, and community supervision violations.
• Civil Litigation: May pursue litigation to address systemic violations of constitutional rights (Section 1983 claims).

Office Function

The Prisoners’ Rights Office operates as a law office and does not house inmates. Staff members, including attorneys and investigators, frequently travel to correctional facilities across the state. For the public or family members of incarcerated individuals, the Montpelier office serves as a point of contact to report concerns. The office does not handle direct appeals of criminal convictions; those are managed by the Appellate Defender. Services are provided at no cost to incarcerated clients.