We have had a great showing of solidarity from longstanding, reputable and hard working advocacy groups within the State of Virginia, who have all supported and gone the extra mile to help Advocate VA promote our formal request to delegates to sponsor a Bill amending Code of Virginia § 18.2-58, being the addition of individual section codes to the new classes of felony robbery that were recently passed into law. Which, if passed, would see persons previously found guilty of robbery, due to reclassification under a new section code, consequentially become eligible for earned sentence credits
Reclassification of previously unclassified felony robbery convictions awards further opportunity to incarcerated individuals which far surpasses one’s ability to earn sentencing credits, for which we feel it prudent and necessary to reiterate that in order to qualify to earn at the increased rate one must adhere to a stringent set of policy or they are unable to work towards their sentence reduction, but also opens up further opportunities for acceptance into institutionalized programs, eligibility for work center, acquiring work release or to assist in finding and maintaining gainful employment upon release. Without allowing a retroactive process to take place where individuals can apply for reclassifications under the new classes of felony robbery, we are actively continuing an ongoing bias against those persons who have effectively completed or are currently fulfilling the requirements of their court mandated sentences.
At this time Advocate VA would like to extend their sincerest gratitude towards Virginia Prison Justice Network (VAPJN) who have published this call for advocacy in their July Newsletter which goes out to over 1,500 inmates and is available on their website found here. We would also like to thank Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged - R.I.H.D. who have helped us by including our information in their recent email campaign, which goes out to around 4,000 individuals. So in solidarity, we extend our warmest gratitude and wish to support them on their endeavors to fight against mass incarceration in the State of Virginia and to bring about much needed, urgent and progressive Criminal Justice Reform. From time to time on our website, you will see us posting one of their events, lectures, or links to their articles, etc. We believe that organizations and individuals should come together in solidarity, as a great many voices can enact great change.
We hope that you too see the urgency for continued justice reform in the State of Virginia, and elect to help us advocate for this cause by appealing to legislators to sponsor this bill amendment.
Justice is supposed to be reformative, let us work together to make it so.
Sincerely,
P. MacManus, Advocate VA Team Member
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