Using Risk Assessment to Inform Sentencing Decisions for Nonviolent Offenders in Virginia

• NCJ Number: 233862
• Journal: Crime & Delinquency Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 106-132
• Author(s): Matthew Kleiman; Brian J. Ostrom; Fred L. Cheesman, II
• Date Published: January 2007
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews the Virginia General Assembly adoption of truth-in-sentencing guidelines.

Abstract

Virginia has abolished parole and adopted truth-in-sentencing guidelines for persons convicted of felonies. As part of this reform, the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission developed a method for diverting 25 percent of nonviolent, prison-bound offenders into alternative sanction programs using risk assessment to identify the lowest risk offenders. This article describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of this instrument, used by judges at the time of sentencing. It serves to advance an understanding of the factors associated with recidivism and the policy implications of using risk assessment to divert offenders from incarceration at a time when states are facing fiscal challenges. (Published Abstract) Tables, figures, appendix, notes, and references