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.