Here’s an interesting thing to think about: What if there was a middle ground when it came to penalizing those who committed crimes? Perhaps long sentences and punishments don’t always fit the crime or do anything to truly help a person or society on the whole.
Virginia’s laws are changing. While not every suggestion can be made into law, one reform that was recently approved included raising the age that teens can be tried as adults from 14 to 16. Another law, one that allowed students who misbehaved to be charged with disorderly conduct, was repealed.
Another interesting change comes with the amount of money a theft must be worth to be considered a felony. It was agreed that $1,000 would trigger a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors still have a maximum of 12 months in jail, while felonies can result in up to 20 years in prison.
If you are accused of committing a crime or have committed one, these changes could apply to you. It’s always important to stay current on the laws in the state. At the very least, laws change, are added or are repealed annually, as people review what does and does not work. The law constantly changes, so even if you think you know what might be used against you in court, it’s always a smart idea to contact your attorney to discuss the charges that could apply to you.
Every case is different, and with ever-changing laws, a good criminal defense is essential. That way, you’ll know that you have someone on your side to help you understand current laws as they apply to your case.
