Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced on Wednesday at the Cedar Street Church of God that he will grant automatic restoration of rights for nonviolent felons on an individualized basis. Candidates for the process must complete sentence, probation and parole; payment of all court costs, fines, restitution, and completion of court-ordered conditions,and have no pending felony charges.
Governor McDonnell stated, “I got my start in state public service in Virginia as a prosecutor. I strongly believe the foremost obligation of any government is to provide for the security and protection of its citizens. When someone commits a crime they must be justly punished. That is why, during my time in the General Assembly and as both attorney general and now governor, I have championed major reforms to ensure that sentences are appropriately set by law to punish those who commit serious offenses and to ensure that those convicted of offenses serve the sentence imposed.”
For more information about Wednesday’s announcement click here.
Congratulations to the McDonnell Administration, Secretary of the Commonwealth Janet Kelly and the stakeholders working diligently on this process the NAACP, Rolling for Freedom Project, ACLU, Advancement Project and other workgroups.
