I oppose HB99 and HB102. Both bills increase mandatory minimums and penalties. That removes discretion from judges and replaces it with rigid sentencing. Judges are in the best position to weigh facts, intent, and risk. Mandatory minimums block that judgment, even when a different outcome would better serve public safety. Harsher penalties do not reduce crime. We have decades of data showing that sentence increases expand incarceration without changing behavior. These policies shift power to charging decisions, not the courtroom. They push people into pleas driven by fear of extreme sentences. Virginia does not need more mandatory minimums. We need sentencing that fits the person and the conduct. For these reasons, I urge opposition to HB99 and HB102.

My husband is currently incarcerated serving a four year sentence on a marijuana charge with the handgun. He is a model citizen and should be allowed to at least serve 50% of his time due to mandatory minimum on a marijuana charge with the weapon he is serving his full term and should be home with his family. He is a non-violent criminal and deserves to be able to serve his time honesty with at least parole or probation..