Starting this July, Virginia will expand its earned sentence credit program, enabling eligible incarcerated individuals to reduce their sentences more effectively. The expanded program, which stems from a 2020 law, had faced delays and setbacks, including opposition from Governor Glenn Youngkin, but has now been approved as part of the state’s new biennial budget. Our Arlington, VA misdemeanor lawyer is available to help you understand how this new law could affect your pending case or sentencing.
Earned sentence credits allow prisoners to shorten their time behind bars by completing educational and training programs. The new expansion allows certain inmates to earn 15 days of credit for every 30 days served. Advocates, including Chris Kaiser from the ACLU, praised the change, stating it would reward incarcerated individuals for their rehabilitation efforts. Despite opposition from Governor Youngkin and some Republican lawmakers, who argued the expansion would be unjust and unsafe, the law is set to take effect.
Alongside the earned sentence credit program, significant reforms to Virginia’s parole board will also begin in July. Although parole has been largely abolished in the state since 1995, a small group of prisoners, such as elderly inmates, still qualify. The new reforms aim to improve transparency and efficiency within the parole board. House Bill 913, introduced by Delegate Irene Shin, will allow the board to vote on parole petitions even with just three of its four members present, ensuring fewer delays. Senate Bill 1361 requires the board to meet with petitioners before making a decision, either in person or virtually.
These reforms are expected to provide greater clarity and fairness in the parole process, offering hope to incarcerated individuals and their families while increasing public oversight of the parole system.
How Can A Virginia Misdemeanor Lawyer Help Me If Sentencing Laws Change?
If sentencing laws in Virginia change, a misdemeanor lawyer can be invaluable in helping you navigate the complexities of the new legal landscape. Misdemeanors, while generally considered less severe than felonies, can still carry significant consequences, such as fines, probation, and even jail time. When sentencing laws are updated, they can impact the potential penalties for misdemeanor offenses, and an experienced lawyer can ensure that you understand how these changes might affect your case.
A Virginia misdemeanor lawyer can evaluate your situation under the new laws and determine whether any changes could lead to a reduced sentence or different form of punishment. For example, certain reforms might offer alternatives to jail time, such as community service or diversion programs, which could benefit you. If you have already been sentenced, a lawyer might help you pursue post-conviction relief, such as appealing for a reduced sentence or requesting modification of your conditions of release.
Additionally, your attorney can provide guidance on whether any changes to sentencing laws might apply retroactively, potentially reducing your sentence if you are currently incarcerated or on probation. They can also assist in filing motions to modify your sentence based on the new legal provisions.
In essence, a skilled misdemeanor lawyer can protect your rights and help you make the most of any favorable changes in the law, whether by securing a more lenient sentence or helping you avoid harsher penalties. At May Law, LLP, we use all the resources available to us to protect your rights and freedom after you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor. Call us today for a consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys.