Open or relaxed prison regime in Austria: Section 126 StVG, work release, training, treatment and practical request.
Mag. Christopher Angerer, Rechtsanwalt
Your lawyer for detention and deprivation of liberty
When someone is in custody, every hour counts. One lawyer who accompanies you personally, from the detention review hearing to release.
The open or relaxed prison regime under Section 126 StVG is not merely a privilege. It is a regulated step towards reintegration.
A request should connect to the enforcement plan. Employer, course place, therapy placement, return times and stable outside contacts are stronger than a general wish for relaxation. For work release, the prisoner’s consent is required.
This decision tree does not replace case-specific advice. It helps structure the situation and prepare the key documents for a discussion.
You already know you want to send a request? Go directly to the contact form.
Choose the situation that fits best. You will then see which documents and steps matter first.
Section 126 StVG concerns prisoners serving determinate prison sentences. The relaxed regime requires suitable facilities and the expectation that relaxations will not be abused. The law lists open rooms or gates during the day, work with reduced supervision, training, outpatient treatment, leave and work release.
A request should connect to the enforcement plan. Employer, course place, therapy placement, return times and stable outside contacts are stronger than a general wish for relaxation. For work release, the prisoner’s consent is required.
After refusal, the reasons matter. If conduct, lack of facilities, unclear work or abuse forecast are at issue, the new request must improve exactly there.
Section 126 StVG concerns prisoners serving determinate prison sentences. The relaxed regime requires suitable facilities and the expectation that relaxations will not be abused. The law lists open rooms or gates during the day, work with reduced supervision, training, outpatient treatment, leave and work release.
In practice, the request should be short, documented and tailored to the concrete purpose. General wording weakens the submission.
A request should connect to the enforcement plan. Employer, course place, therapy placement, return times and stable outside contacts are stronger than a general wish for relaxation. For work release, the prisoner’s consent is required.
In practice, the request should be short, documented and tailored to the concrete purpose. General wording weakens the submission.
After refusal, the reasons matter. If conduct, lack of facilities, unclear work or abuse forecast are at issue, the new request must improve exactly there.
In practice, the request should be short, documented and tailored to the concrete purpose. General wording weakens the submission.
The overview shows which points should be checked separately before filing a request.
| Point | Practical meaning |
|---|---|
| Work Work | Reduced or removed supervision |
| Work release Work release | Work outside without supervision |
| Training Training | Vocational training, further training or treatment |
| Leave Leave | One or two leaves per month |
When liberty is at stake, every hour counts. Call us directly or send an email, callback within one business day. In urgent cases, we are also available outside office hours.
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