When I first read about this bill on Twitter, I assumed the poster was exaggerating.
Then I went and read the bill. Democrats really are pushing a bill to modify the sentences of some of the most horrible criminals incarcerated in Virginia.
The bill referenced in the video above is sponsored by Virginia Democrat Sen. @CreighDeeds, Sen. @JCarrollFoy, and Sen. @JenniferBoysko.
The bill could free murderers, rapists, and robbers.
https://t.co/A3t9lO5bAx— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) February 22, 2024
Just to ensure that they are totally on-brand, the bill specifically mentions reductions in sentences for pedophiles. Gotta ensure pedos get a break, right?
WTF is WRONG with these people?
Let’s take a look at some of the language in the bill, so you can see what crimes they are wanting to modify the sentences for:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.03 as follows:
§ 19.2-303.03. Petition for modification of a sentence; eligibility; procedures.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule of court, upon petition of a person who remains incarcerated in a state or local correctional facility or secure facility, as defined in § 16.1-228, serving the sentence for any conviction or for a combination of any convictions of (i) first degree murder or a second or subsequent conviction of second degree murder in violation of Article 1 (§ 18.2-30 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2; (ii) (a) rape in violation of § 18.2-61; (b) forcible sodomy in violation of § 18.2-67.1; (c) object sexual penetration in violation of § 18.2-67.2; (d) aggravated sexual battery in violation of § 18.2-67.3; (e) an attempt to commit a violation of clause (a), (b), (c), or (d); or (f) carnal knowledge in violation of § 18.2-63, 18.2-64.1, or 18.2-64.2; (iii) human trafficking in violation of § 18.2-355; (iv) an act of terrorism as described in § 18.2-46.4; (v) possession, manufacture, distribution, etc., of a weapon of terrorism or hoax device in violation of § 18.2-46.6, except for a violation of subsection B of § 18.2-46.6; (vi) producing or filming child pornography in violation of § 18.2-374.1; (vii) lynching in violation of § 18.2-40; (viii) death by mob in violation of § 18.2-45; (ix) committing, conspiring, aiding, or abetting acts of terrorism in violation of § 18.2-46.5; or (x) treason in violation of § 18.2-481, the circuit court that entered the original judgment or order may grant a hearing to determine whether to modify such person’s sentence…
There’s more. Lots more. But you get the idea. Reading the texts of law–something I had to do when I worked in politics researching policy–is an unpleasant and tedious task, so I won’t bore you with the whole thing. You can read it all if you like.
It’s not a small number of convicts whose sentences might be modified, nor are they the best and brightest Virginia has to offer.
In fact, over 2,000 felons could be released if their sentences are modified. That’s no small thing.
Victims and their families aren’t exactly thrilled to see the legislature considering the release of some of the most heinous criminals in Virginia, as you might imagine. Still, the committee asked them to testify by Zoom.
Virginia Democrats have spent weeks trying to ease the sentences for murder and other violent crimes.
Earlier this month, Dems even denied the families of victims the opportunity to testify in person. pic.twitter.com/1tfW4fcRX5
— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) February 22, 2024
I guess I wouldn’t want to look these people in the eye and tell them that their child’s rapist might be cut a break in the name of “reform.”
The primary author of this bill is none other than Senator Creigh Deeds, who ran for Attorney General of Virginia in 2005 and Governor of the state in 2009, so he is not exactly AOC-level Leftist. Instead, he is in the mainstream of the Democrat Party, which has gone completely insane.
Back when he was running for statewide office he was considered a conservative Democrat, opposed to gay marriage and all for the death penalty, including for some juvenile offenders. Now he is all for “second chances,” including for child rapists.
Depending on the initial charges, if passed, the bill would allow someone to get a look at a revised sentence as
“Redemption can be real,” said State Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Charlottesville), “and we have to acknowledge that people sometimes make mistakes and they can be rehabilitated.”
Depending on the initial charges, if passed, the bill would allow someone to get a look at a revised sentence as early as 15 years.
“It’s really an opportunity for people that have served a long-term prison sentence to go back in front of their sentencing courts and have them review the sentence and look at the person not for who they are, you know, not for who they were when they committed the offense, but really who they have become today,” said Shawn Weneta, a policy strategist for ACLU of Virginia.
“Redemption can be real.” For rapists, murderers, terrorists, and pedophiles.
Yeah, well, let them discuss that with God. Only He can forgive certain acts.
The Attorney General of Virginia is unimpressed, as you might imagine. He is not insane.
Attorney General Jason Miyares calls this bill “backdoor parole.”
“We’re allowing people that have a perhaps if you’re in prison for more than 15 years, there’s a chance that not only have you committed a violent act, but you also have a record and a track record of multiple criminal acts on your rap sheet,” he said. “So not only just to ignore the victims, we’re also talking about the fact that these individuals can get back in society. I mean, we are now talking about some of the most notorious criminals in the in the system. These are not people with minor charges.”
Is it conceivable that some criminals have reformed? Obviously so. But the chances are slim, the offenses are hideous, and even in cases where a person has reformed in prison, justice for victims may require that sentences be carried out. We don’t just have prisons to restrain prisoners–as vital as that is–but also to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones.
Letting a child rapist back out onto the streets is a slap in the face to the victim, who is serving a life sentence of trauma.
Once again, Democrats are laser-focused on helping the wrong people, turning their backs on ordinary people.
