Press Release

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM issues statement following Virginia legislature’s failure to repeal the state’s mandatory minimums

RICHMOND – FAMM Deputy Director of Policy Tinsae Gebriel released the following statement after the Virginia legislature failed to repeal the states’ mandatory minimums:

“We’re greatly disappointed that Virginia failed to repeal its mandatory minimum sentencing laws this session. We know that mandatory minimums don’t deter crime, don’t make us safer, waste money, and disproportionately impact Black communities, so it is alarming that the legislature would fail to act,” Gebriel said.

“We truly hoped the General Assembly would have taken the crime commission’s recommendation and repealed all mandatory minimums this session. However, this fight is far from over. We will come back next year to fight for a legal system that prioritizes individualized sentences and second chances.”

We thank Sen. John Edwards for his leadership and for championing individualized sentencing.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.