Bill Text: VA HB849 | 2024 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Limitation on sentence upon revocation of suspension of sentence; technical violations.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-02-13 - Left in Courts of Justice [HB849 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HB849-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; (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 may impose not more than 30 days 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 and may impose not more than 14 90
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, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation is $0 for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities and cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.