Public Comments for 02/23/2022 Courts of Justice - Criminal
SB191 - Criminal cases; increases compensation for experts.
SB202 - Alternative custody arrangements; options to increase use for certain individuals.
SB227 - Misdemeanor sexual offenses where the victim is a minor; statute of limitations, penalty.
SB268 - Emergency custody and temporary detention; transportation, transfer of custody, alternative custody.
SB404 - Search warrants; copy of search warrant and affidavit given to at least one adult occupant.
SB408 - Sentencing documents; transmission to the DHP and DBHDS.
SB440 - Unlawful hazing; civil and criminal liability.
SB443 - Sealing of offenses; results in a deferred and dismissed disposition or conviction by petition.
Vote yes
Please vote YES on SB443. This bill allows a defendant with a disorder under the DSM or an Intellectual Disability to apply to have a Class 4 felony record sealed. The criminal conduct was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the individual's disorder or disability. If someone has served their sentence or had the matter deferred and dismissed then this should not be a life sentence. This is especially true in the case of someone with a disability who has a shorter life expectancy through co-morbid medical conditions and suicide. "Autism, ADHD associated with higher risk for early death" https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2022/02/18/autism-ADHD-early-death/5091645125723/?fbclid=IwAR3tuEPF0gP6gPprOWEghCQjY03Rm-NTQfgpSkHUIw9n1LtXvKIC9uvgA0c A felon cannot qualify for Group Home placement and it puts their social service safety net at risk. Please VOTE yes on SB443
SB453 - Assault and battery; persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, etc.
Vote yes
Please vote YES on SB453. this bill would allow a judge discretion if the assault is committed against certain groups of people (including law enforcement) by an individual with autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability, or mental illness. Currently, these assaults are Felonies with a mandatory minimum of six (6) months in jail. The bill as amended says defendant with ASD, ID and Serious Mental Illness will not be subject to the mandatory minimum requirement and gives the Judge discretion. This Bill is VERY important for our community! Many, many families live in fear of having to call for help from law enforcement if their loved one is in crisis. IF charged with a felony for scratching or struggling with a police officer, this is an event with cascading devastating results for the family and individual. This does not encourage assault on law enforcement but rather recognizes the inherent disability of the defendant and that their autism is a direct reason for their conduct in every aspect of their lives. Please vote yes on SB453.
SB593 - Emergency custody or temporary detention order; custody and transportation of persons, etc.
SB729 - Catalytic converters; tampering with, etc., penalty.
VOTE YES FOR THIS BILL. Presently, all states which share borders with Virginia, have strict laws against selling catalytic converters to metal dealers. These laws also prohibit catalytic converters from being possessed by citizens, except under certain conditions. Accordingly, scrap metal dealers purchase catalytic converters from people to extract the 3 "platinum group metals". Each day in the Richmond metropolitan area, at least 6 are reported stolen. The victims of these thefts spend more than $1,000 to repair the damage to the vehicle and to replace the converter. If we hold the dealers accountable, then the thieves will not be as likely to steal catalytic converters. This bill is a first step.
SB174 - Protective orders, permanent; contact between petitioner and respondent, violation of orders.