How Parole Has Become Seemingly Unattainable in Virginia
Written by Emma Sauer, L’26 In 1995, during the height of the nation’s “tough on crime” movement, Virginia effectively abolished parole by adopting a “truth-in-sentencing” law.[1] Under its new sentencing legislation, people were mandated to serve, at a minimum, eighty-five percent of their sentences.[2] It was intended for individuals sentenced prior to 1995 to be unaffected; however, the Virginia Parole Board’s parole rate quickly diminished … Continue reading How Parole Has Become Seemingly Unattainable in Virginia