For Certain Crimes, It’s Mandatory You Go To Prison For a Long While

Today I want to talk about mandatory minimums. You may not know, but certain crimes committed in Virginia will require you to serve a minimum of years in jail or prison. For example, Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement will require you to serve a mandatory minimum of 6 months in jail if you are convicted as charged. 

When that law was promulgated (meaning “put into effect”), it was designed to carry harsher punishment by the mere fact that the person whom the offense was enacted on was a law enforcement officer (policeman). Now, over time, the notion of having to serve a mandatory jail sentence just because of the charge doesn’t make sense when you consider a multitude of factors. For example, such factors may include the defendant’s age, criminal history, the facts (e.g. Was it a punch? Was it a bite? Was it spitting? Was it a mere push?), in addition to race, especially keeping in mind that charges of certain types are disproportionately brought upon darker skinned people. 

I mentioned in previous posts about Justice Forward, a great movement that is aimed to make changes and bring reform at basic levels of the judicial system so that access to the law is fair and all people regardless of race or color are treated equally. Justice Forward Virginia was able to garner enough support from the public and the folks in Richmond who promulgate these laws. Now, if someone commits the crime of assault & battery on a law enforcement officer, and they are convicted, a more appropriate form of punishment can be levied by considering ALL the factors; not just the starting point of 6 months in jail.

If you or your loved ones are in a similar situation, visit the yoonfirm.com site to learn more and see how we can help you. Or, call us at (703) 260-6060  for a free consultation. We are here for you.