Concerns About Costs Derail Jury Sentencing Reform Bill, At Least For Now

A bill in Richmond, ,Virginia that would drastically revamp the Commonwealth’s jury trial sentencing system is being stalled in committee. Cost concerns appear to be the sticking point for lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee after voicing concerns the legislation, that allows defendants to choose to be sentenced by a judge rather than the jury that just convicted them could lead to many more jury trials across the state.