The Impact of Virtual Sentencing & Hearings on Interstate Compact Rules-June 2025

Objective:
As virtual court proceedings become more common, sentencing and hearings are increasingly conducted remotely. While this shift offers efficiency and accessibility, it also raises critical questions about compliance with the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS).

Although sentencing authority remains with the courts and ICAOS rules do not prohibit virtual proceedings, recent survey results reveal trends, misunderstandings, and challenges in applying ICAOS rules to remote hearings. Currently, only Rule 5.101-2 addresses communication and documentation procedures for violations related to new convictions. How do virtual hearings impact compliance, coordination, and supervision when used for initial sentencing or other proceedings?

Join us for a discussion on navigating virtual hearings within ICAOS, identifying challenges, and shaping best practices.  June 24th at 2 pm ET.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87358050478?pwd=JbE1C63rUGDRA4LMMVwLW9DPlQVndb.1

Proposed Discussion Topics and Questions:

1. Practical challenges & compliance:
   • How do virtual sentencing/hearings affect transfer and reporting instruction eligibility, reporting requirements, and procedural consistency? 
   • What coordination and communication challenges arise between sending and receiving states?
2. The role of virtual sentencing in determining supervision obligations: How are states meeting timeframes to provide sentencing documentation during the transfer process?
3. State specific sentencing practices: Do DCAs know their state’s policies and procedures for remote hearings?
4. Benefits of remote hearings: Cost savings, convenience, swift and certain action—virtual proceedings aren’t going away, so how do we effectively integrate them into ICAOS processes?
5. Public safety considerations:
   • When is an in-person appearance unnecessary for public safety, particularly if the victim remains in the sending state?
   • How can remote proceedings be used effectively without compromising supervision standards?