Attorney General Miyares addresses public safety risk posed by enhanced earned sentence credit system
Jul 8, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jason Miyares today voiced serious public safety concerns about violent offenders receiving reduced sentences. On July 1st, the prohibition on enhanced earned sentence credits for inmates convicted of both violent and nonviolent offenses expired, rendering over 7,000 violent offenders eligible for reduced sentences.
Among these offenders are individuals convicted of major crimes, including first-degree murder, abduction, rape, manslaughter, and robbery. Approximately 25% of these inmates have been identified as high-risk for violent recidivism, meaning they have a high likelihood of reoffending violently.
The Office of the Attorney General will continue to monitor the situation and work with local law enforcement to ensure Virginians’ safety.