1995 No Parole Law

To:  Governor Mark R. Warner

Governor Mark R. Warner
State Capitol, 3rd. Floor
9th. and Grace Street
Richmond, VA. 23219

Re: In reference to Richard Rosser #189675

We, the undersigned, express our sincere concern regarding the current injustice occurring within the decision-making process of the Virginia Parole Board. We have been made aware of the fact that there are thousands of men and women in prison who, having committed crimes prior to January 1, 1995, are eligible for parole. However, the 1995 No Parole Law has had a retroactive effect on these men and women, and this was not the General Assembly's or the court's intent.

The Attorney General then, Jim Gilmore, issued a report-- The Attorney General's Opinion of 1994-- stating that the prisoners who committed their crimes before January 1, 1995, have a constitutionally protected liberty interest in fair parole consideration.

We feel the Parole Board's behavior has created a blanket punishment, which the law did not intend. When the General Assembly set the guidelines for parole, prior to the No Parloe Law, we believe they did so with great care and consideration. Within those guidelines were safeguards protecting the public, as well as ensuring excessive punishment would not be needlessly inflicted upon the convicted. A person having served 10-15-20-25-30 years, abiding by the rules and regulations, expressing genuine remorse for his/her crimes, and striving to enhance his/her life and the lives of others, should be afforded an opportunity to reenter society and become a productive citizen. To deprive one of this opportunity due to the nature and circumstances of a crime that was committed a decade(s) ago is irrational. These crimes will not change, just as one's birth date will not change. Both will remain...........

As citizens of the United States we are disappointed that our government would allow its citizens, whether free or bound, to be treated unfairly and made to suffer unjustly. We are advocates for that which is right, not merely motivated by personal connections to any inmates in the State of Virginia, but driven by the spirit of fairness.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The 1995 No Parole Law Petition to Governor Mark R. Warner was created by and written by Rhonda Rosser (rhondarosser@comcast.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

Send this to a friend