Bill Text: VA HB47 | 2022 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Suspended sentence or probation; violation of the terms and conditions, technical violations.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-02-15 - Left in Courts of Justice [HB47 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HB47-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §19.2-306.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§19.2-306.1. Limitation on sentence upon revocation of suspension of sentence; exceptions.
A. For the purposes of this section, "technical
violation" means a violation based on the probationer's failure to (i)
report any arrest, including traffic tickets, within three days to the
probation officer; (ii) maintain regular employment or notify the probation
officer of any changes in employment; (iii) report within three days of release
from incarceration; (iv) permit the probation officer to visit his home and
place of employment; (v) follow the instructions of the probation officer, be
truthful and cooperative, and report as instructed; or
(vi) refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages to the extent that it disrupts
or interferes with his employment or orderly conduct; (vii)
refrain from the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances or
related paraphernalia; (viii) refrain from the use, ownership, possession, or
transportation of a firearm; (ix) gain permission to change his residence or
remain in the Commonwealth or other designated area without permission of the
probation officer; or (x) maintain contact with the probation officer whereby
his whereabouts are no longer known to the probation officer.
Multiple technical violations arising from a single course of conduct or a
single incident or considered at the same revocation hearing shall not be
considered separate technical violations for the purposes of sentencing
pursuant to this section.
B. If the court finds the basis of a violation of the terms and conditions of a suspended sentence or probation is that the defendant was convicted of a criminal offense that was committed after the date of the suspension, or has violated another condition other than (i) a technical violation or (ii) a good conduct violation that did not result in a criminal conviction, then the court may revoke the suspension and impose or resuspend any or all of that period previously suspended.
C. The court shall not impose a sentence of a term of active
incarceration upon a first technical violation of the terms and conditions of a
suspended sentence or probation, and there shall be a presumption against
imposing a sentence of a term of active incarceration for any second technical
violation of the terms and conditions of a suspended sentence or probation.
However, if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the
defendant committed a second technical violation and he cannot be safely
diverted from active incarceration through less restrictive means, the court
may impose not more than 14 days of active incarceration for a second technical
violation. The court may impose whatever sentence might have been originally
imposed for a third or subsequent technical violation. For
the purposes of this subsection, a first technical violation based on clause
(viii) or (x) of subsection A shall be considered a second technical violation,
and any subsequent technical violation also based on clause (viii) or (x) of
subsection A shall be considered a third or subsequent technical violation.
D. The limitations on sentencing in this section shall not apply to the extent that an additional term of incarceration is necessary to allow a defendant to be evaluated for or to participate in a court-ordered drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment program. In such case, the court shall order the shortest term of incarceration possible to achieve the required evaluation or participation.
2. That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to §30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities; therefore, Chapter 552 of the Acts of Assembly of 2021, Special Session I, requires the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to assign a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000. Pursuant to §30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
