I am writing in support of the earned sentence credit bill HB361 and the robbery bill HB 244. I believe any time spent incarcerated should be under the approved earned sentence credit and should be calculated accordingly. Each jail has their own system and then VADOC has its own system. By unifying how earned sentence credits are calculated ensures that the adults in custody are not held unjustly and prevents confusion, and possible law suits. As a former VADOC employee, it is extremely confusing and frustrating for both staff and inmates alike attempting to figure out what the jail’s policy on earned sentence credit is. It also causes inaccurate calculations and double work by time computation employees at VADOC because they have to continually recalculate time based on what the jail sends them. By unifying the system, those incarcerated are given fair sentencing and helps eliminate possible law suits for the Commonwealth. In regards to HB 244, I understand that robbery can be traumatic for a victim. However, if no weapon is used and no victims are physically harmed, it cannot be considered a violent crime. To classify it as such is unconstitutional. A violent crime can only be committed when violence occurs. If a person walks up to someone and says give me all your money or I’ll hurt you, but they don’t, then no violence has been committed. Sex offenders get less time than those convicted of robbery without violence or a weapon. I support second chances and I think it is crucial to the strain on our prison system and tax payers to sentence these offenders to the proper length of time and allow them to earn the proper earned sentence credit. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Something’s should have been looked into before and changed way before now.

I support this bill because it brings fairness and consistency to Virginia’s robbery laws by recognizing that not all robberies involve the same level of violence. It ensures that the harshest penalties are reserved for the most serious offenses, while lower-level robberies are treated more proportionately. The bill also allows individuals convicted of lesser robbery offenses to qualify for earned sentence credits or compassionate release in appropriate cases, which supports rehabilitation and responsible use of resources. By applying certain changes retroactively, Virginia acknowledges past sentencing practices were overly harsh and takes a balanced, humane step forward without compromising public safety.

This bill addresses a long-standing need by meticulously aligning existing, and at times archaic, provisions within the Virginia Code with a contemporary, degree-based classification system. The comprehensive clarity introduced by HB244 holds profound implications, not only for the consistent and equitable adjudication of future cases but also for individuals whose past convictions were determined under less precise or undifferentiated statutory language, the ramifications of which continue to impact their lives today. By explicitly delineating the various classifications of robbery offenses and ensuring their uniform interpretation across the Code, HB244 endeavors to create a truly transparent and standardized legal structure. This refined framework will facilitate its consistent application throughout the judicial system and enable meticulous and accurate review processes, including those pertaining to post conviction proceedings and resentencing. My endorsement of HB244 is rooted in its clear commitment to promoting the principle of proportionate justice, mitigating legal ambiguities, and establishing a robust foundation for the re-evaluation of historical adjudications against modern legal benchmarks. This initiative represents a vital step towards enhancing fairness and consistency within Virginia's criminal justice system.

Virginia’s robbery statutes must be modernized to ensure that sentencing is proportionate to the actual harm or threat involved in an offense. HB244 creates a fairer framework that distinguishes between different levels of robbery, preventing the over-sentencing that often severs family ties and hinders successful reentry. S4JR supports this reform as a way to prioritize human-centered justice and accurate accountability over "one-size-fits-all" punishment.

Criminal acts should have consequences, but these consequences need to be in proportion to the act committed. This house bill will provide clarity and more definition to the various degrees of crime and ensure that the punishment fits the crime. I also believe that incarceration should offer rehabilitation and give those convicted opportunity to learn, grow, and most of all prove with changed behaviour that they understand the consequences for crimes and also that they have been able to make positive changes while incarcerated and adhere to rules and good behaviour. There does need to be further distinction between violent and non violent crimes and this bill will offer those who, although they chose to commit a crime, did not endanger lives or include weapons while doing so. The key element of this this bill, in my opinion, is the opportunity for inmates to earn the sentence credits. It is not a guarantee of an earlier release, but a chance to demonstrate growth and to prove that there has been rehabilitative change prior to release.

I am writing to you to express my strong support for House Bill 244. This legislation is a necessary and logical step in refining Virginia’s criminal justice system to ensure that our laws are consistent, clear, and proportionate. In 2021, the General Assembly took the important step of establishing degrees of robbery to better reflect the varying levels of severity in these offenses. However, many other parts of the Virginia Code still reference "robbery" broadly, without distinguishing between these degrees. HB 244 corrects this by conforming those references to the established degrees. ​I support HB 244 because: ​ It Ensures Fairness in Sentencing: By limiting certain "acts of violence" classifications to the higher degrees of robbery (First and Second Degree), the bill ensures that harsher legal consequences are reserved for the most serious offenses. It Provides Legal Clarity: Consistency across the Code of Virginia is essential for judges, attorneys, and the public. This bill removes ambiguity in how robbery-related crimes are prosecuted and classified. It Completes Previous Reforms: This is a vital measure that ensures the intent of the 2021 robbery reforms is fully realized across all administrative and judicial functions of the Commonwealth. ​A just legal system requires that the punishment fits the crime and that the law is applied uniformly. HB 244 would see Virginia move closer to that goal. I urge you to support this bill.

HB 244 is undeniably a step in the right direction, signifying a commitment to a more just and rational legal system. However, its purpose will only be fully achieved if its benefits extend to those presently navigating an outdated and potentially disproportionate framework. Incorporating a retroactivity clause will not only solidify the bill's positive impact but will also affirm the General Assembly's dedication to consistent and meaningful justice for all.

Robbery should not have a higher sentence then murder . Not knowing the circumstances behind a person who commits the crime .I know someone serving 30 years for a robbery charge he was basically forced to do the crime by an older friend the friend didn't go to prison but the younger gentleman did he had no way to speak for himself and couldn't fight the charges because he didn't know ow how that should not be a reason to force someone into 30 years taken away

It is time to enact ong overdue reform in our prisons, jails, and courts.