Posts in Drug Reform
New Laws Go Into Effect - July 1, 2021
New Laws Go Into Effect - July 1, 2021

Thursday July 1, 2021, marks the enactment of several of Justice Forward Virginia’s priority criminal justice reforms in the Commonwealth. Our legislative policy development and statewide advocacy ended presumptions against bail, created degrees of robbery, ended the petit larceny three strikes rule, allowed evidence of mental illness to be presented at trial, created a unified pretrial data collection system, legalized marijuana, abolished the death penalty, ended the jury penalty, and reformed a truly broken probation system in Virginia.

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Bail Reform, Death Penalty, Drug Reform, General, Jury Sentencing, Mental Illness, Probation Reform, Sentencing, Trial PenaltyGuest User
Virginia failed to repeal mandatory minimums, but there’s hope for next year
Virginia failed to repeal mandatory minimums, but there’s hope for next year

Saturday February 27th, lawmakers assigned to reconcile Senate Bill 1443 and House Bill 2331 regarding the Repeal of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing in Virginia, failed to reach a compromise on bill language, and as a result the proposed legislation died in conference. We could not be more disappointed that the legislature failed to repeal mandatory minimums this session, particularly when the proposed legislation had no real opposition. The Virginia Crime Commission recommended the repeal of all mandatory minimums in the Commonwealth. Countless lawmakers, including leadership in both chambers, have campaigned and continue to campaign on a promise to repeal mandatory minimum sentencing for all. Mandatory minimums are a racial justice issue, a human rights issue, they are an insult to civil liberties, and we will not stop fighting until the General Assembly ceases allowing this injustice to exist.

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Mandatory Minimum, Drug Reform, Trial PenaltyGuest User
Coalition Statement on Gov. Northam's Marijuana Legalization Amendments
Coalition Statement on Gov. Northam's Marijuana Legalization Amendments

Gov. Ralph Northam’s announcement to repeal the prohibition on simple marijuana possession as of July 1, 2021 is the first step toward ending racist marijuana law enforcement. The ACLU of Virginia, Marijuana Justice, RISE for Youth, and Justice Forward Virginia applaud the governor for understanding that justice delayed is justice denied. We urge the legislature to approve the governor’s amendment, which will legalize possession of less than one ounce and reduce the charge for possession of one ounce to one pound to a civil penalty, effective July 1.

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Drug ReformMichelle Woolley
Justice Forward Virginia Signs on to Letter Asking Virginia Leaders to Legalize Marijuana in the Right Way
Justice Forward Virginia Signs on to Letter Asking Virginia Leaders to Legalize Marijuana in the Right Way

On February 9, 2021, Justice Forward Virginia, along with 24 other organizations, sent a letter to Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam and Virginia lawmakers, laying out five criteria for marijuana legalization that will center racial equity and the people and communities most impacted by decades of the War on Drugs.

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Drug Reform, Expungement, Pretextual Policing, SentencingGuest User
Virginia law bars evidence of mental illness unless an accused pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. That’s wrong, and here’s why. 
Virginia law bars evidence of mental illness unless an accused pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. That’s wrong, and here’s why. 

In Virginia there is a rule that prohibits introducing evidence of mental illness in criminal cases unless the Accused pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (“NGRI”). As a result, the jury is not made aware of mitigating evidence that would allow for a fair trial and appropriate resolution. Currently an important bill is being considered that will change this rule and make the criminal legal system more fair for individuals who suffer from mental illness.

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General, Drug Reform, Sentencing, Trial PenaltyGuest User
Misdemeanor Offenses: Minor Conduct, Major Consequences
Misdemeanor Offenses: Minor Conduct, Major Consequences

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable in Virginia by a fine up to $2500 or jail time up to 12 months. Despite being minor offenses, misdemeanors have impacts on the lives of the individuals charged far greater than the charge implies. From remaining in jail while awaiting trial if bail can’t be procured or accepting a plea just to get out of jail, just the accusation of a misdemeanor can turn a defendant’s life upside down. This is followed by a criminal record that lasts a lifetime (expungement is not allowed) and can prevent a person from getting jobs and housing as well as increase the likelihood of being arrested again.

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Bail Reform, Drug Reform, Jury Sentencing, Pretextual Policing, Trial Penalty, Sentencing, ExpungementGuest User