Virginia Crime Commission Endorses Stripping Minimum Sentencing

Most of Virginia’s mandatory minimum sentences on the books address driving while intoxicated, narcotics, child pornography and weapon violations…but that could all change after a commission on Tuesday voted to endorse legislation stripping all mandatory minimum sentences from state code. Lawmakers plan to introduce the proposal when the General Assembly returns to Richmond later this month. The Virginia Crime Commission’s research found that black inmates were more likely than white inmates to be serving time on the charges. Opponents say the legislation doesnt deter crime, and has not actually eliminated sentencing disparities and inflict a burden on a defendant’s right to trial.