Thread by @JusticeFwdVa

VA abolished parole in 1995 and offers almost no mechanisms to review sentences or provide second chances to incarcerated Virginians who have worked diligently to grow, change, and repay their debt to society.

A THREAD for those who want to to join efforts to change that: 1/

VA abolished parole, replacing it w/ a “truth in sentencing” system guaranteeing incarcerated Virginians serve at least 85% of their time—leading directly to increases in the length of sentences AND elimination of one of the strongest incentives for one to rehabilitate. 2/

A Governor holds tremendous authority however: to reduce mass incarceration, improve equity in the criminal justice system, correct unjust sentencing of the past, and show mercy by using their clemency authority in real and meaningful ways. 3/

As @GovernorVA himself once argued, eliminating parole “led to crowded prisons, escalating medical costs for aging inmates and inequities in sentencing that disproportionately affect people of color.” Boom, you think Gov gets it. But, not so much. Because this happened next..4/

…many simple pardons—which of course are appreciated—but doesn’t remove the conviction from a criminal record among other conditions. So you’re left with a community and families, reliant on clemency as the only path for relief, and it doesn’t deliver to its potential. 5/

https://twitter.com/BradleyRHaywood/status/1471480861849759746

Some petitions simply weren’t reviewed due to time constraints. Founders of @theSIP2021, received word that their loved ones pardon petitions wouldn’t be reviewed citing the lack of time leading up to Gov Northam’s departure from office in January. Another was simply denied. 6/

Northam’s administration has said it will continue to review pardon applications through his last day, January 15. You can urge @GovernorVA to make good on his promise with @FAMMFoundation’s action below. But there’s still more we can do together…secure.everyaction.com/yKWpdOShK0GU46…

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It’s urgent that VA expand mechanisms for incarcerated Virginians to earn second chances. And that’s why #SecondLookVA is so important. Join our efforts to advocate for laws that create a fair & measured system of opportunity for second chances, here: action.aclu.org/send-message/v…

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Get educated, join us—Dec. 19th 7:00PM w/ @theSIP2021 @ACLUVA @HumanizationPro @nolefturnsinc & The Megan Napier Foundation. Learn about broad support for #SecondLookVA and what Virginia communities gain by expanding mechanisms for a second chance.

aclu.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

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