#Repost @justicefwdva ・・・ There are unbelievable human costs associated with Virginia’s over-reliance on extreme sentences. Advocates are in Richmond today to tell lawmakers that incarcerated Virginians who’ve already served significant sentences and have been rehabilitated, need a Second Look law…now. Virginia abolished parole in 1995 and offers almost no mechanism to review sentences or provide second chances to incarcerated Virginians who have worked diligently to grow, change, and repay their debt to society. Second Look legislation would allow judges a Second Look at a prison sentence—years after it was imposed—to determine if the severity of punishment is still appropriate. Research shows that long prison sentences do not deter crime or recidivism. People age, mature, and rehabilitate themselves during their years in prison. In Virginia, at least 25% of our incarcerated population is over 50–posing the lowest risk of recidivism. Many were young at the time of offense—sentenced before advances in neuroscience proved violent crime is strongly correlated with youth. People languish behind bars serving extreme sentences that aren’t necessary to keep us safe. And their families and loved ones suffer everyday for it despite the fact that evidence shows us it’s unnecessary. Virginia needs a Second Look law, now. #valeg #justiceforwardva https://www.instagram.com/p/CniqDp7Oddm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
