Virginia Poised to Adopt California-Style Sentencing Reform

Over the years we have reported on the impact of California’s adoption of sentencing reforms, which have forced the early release of thousands of criminals from prisons and jails.  Since Governor Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown signed the 425-page Prison Realignment bill into law back in 2011, California has suffered from increases in violent and property crime, while crime was falling in most other large states.  Now the state of Virginia seems ready to follow California’s lead.   Hans Bader of Liberty Unyielding reports that the state’s Democrat-controlled Legislature  is considering bills to shorten sentences, and reinstitute parole.

25 years ago, parole was abolished in Virginia due to public discontent that criminals were only serving 30% of their sentences before being released.  The bill to restore parole (SB 5016), currently moving through the state legislature, would apply retroactively giving even willful and premeditated murderers the opportunity for early release.   As we have seen in California, and nationally during the 1970-1980 sentencing reform movement, reducing the consequences for crime results in more crime.   Another piece by Mr. Bader reports on additional legislation allowing the release of more Virginia criminals.