2020 is the “Year of Change” for some of Virginia’s laws. In particular, parole laws in Virginia are changing as of July 1, 2020. Keep scrolling to read more about what exactly is parole and how the law will be updated regarding this process in July.
What Is “Parole”?
You may have heard of this term if you’ve ever watched a criminal procedural show on television like NCIS or CSI. Essentially, parole is the process by which someone who has been convicted of a crime may be released after serving only a portion of their sentence. Virginia abolished parole in 1995, and the vast majority of people who are incarcerated must serve the majority (at least 85%) of their sentence.
How is Parole Law in Virginia Changing in 2020?
Starting in July, Virginia will reinstate parole for certain people in prison who were convicted of serious crimes if they were under eighteen years old, and sentenced to twenty years or more in prison. Parole still exists for people who were sentenced prior to 1995, and this has now been extended for people convicted and sentenced for crimes committed as juveniles.
Parole and Your Criminal Charges
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is always advisable to contact an experienced criminal attorney who can guide you on your options for shortening your sentence. The Center for Criminal and Immigration Law is a boutique law firm in Richmond that you can trust with your criminal case. Contact us today for a free consultation.