Virginia Dems move to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes including rape, manslaughter, child porn

Democrats in the Virginia state legislature have introduced a new bill that would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for serious crimes, including manslaughter, rape, and possession of child pornography.

Following the swearing-in of Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, Virginia lawmakers have moved forward with a slate of far-left initiatives. One of those measures, House Bill 863, seeks to end mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for a range of offenses under state law. 

The bill would remove minimum sentences for crimes such as manslaughter, rape, possession and distribution of child pornography, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and certain repeat violent felonies. Lawmakers are also proposing to repeal the mandatory five-day minimum sentence for some first-time DUI offenders.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it would allow judges to issue sentences based on the individual circumstances of each case, rather than being bound by statutory mandates imposed by the state. In the past, many left-wing activists have criticized mandatory minimum sentencing, labelling the practice as racist.

The bill’s sponsor, Delegate Rae Cousins, described the proposal as a “common-sense” reform.

"This change would give the experienced judges in our communities more discretion to make decisions based on the unique facts of each case. As the General Assembly session continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and promote fairer outcomes in our justice system,” Cousins said.

The proposal has drawn criticism from law enforcement advocates, who warn it could lead to more lenient sentencing for serious offenders. Josh Ederheimer, a law enforcement expert and assistant professor at the University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice, told Fox News the bill raises significant concerns among police.

"From a law enforcement standpoint, I think police generally want offenders to be held accountable, and frustration among law enforcement officers grows when individuals are released quickly and subsequently re-offend – and even more so if it involved a violent felony," Ederheimer said.