Too Many Felons

Richmond, Virginia is addressing the impact of the felony conviction rate.  That is great news.  The value for grand larceny at $200.00 has not been increased for almost forty years.  In 1978 the minimum wage was $2.65 an hour; the ceiling for grand larceny was $100.00. In 1980 grand larceny was increased to $200.00, where it has remained.  Today minimum wage has increased to $7.25 but the value for grand larceny has not increased. What was once two weeks wages is now only less than three days’ wages.

Everything has been adjusted for inflation except the cap for grand larceny.

 Grand larceny defined; how punished

Any person who (i) commits larceny from the person of another of money or other thing of value of $5 or more, (ii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of $200 or more, or (iii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of any firearm, regardless of the firearm’s value, shall be guilty of grand larceny, punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than twenty years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, be confined in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months or fined not more than $2,500, either or both.

Another issue being addressed is the felony classification for non-violent drug use. There should be a clear line between a drug user and a drug dealer.  Even the top prosecutor in Richmond, Michael Herring, agrees Richmond “is creating to many felons.”   Sherriff Woody stated, “Drug use is not a crime, it is an illness.”  Although he is wrong drug use IS a crime and it can result in a felony conviction and it can result in jail time, he is on the right track.

Herring also cited a study that shows the U.S economy loses 60 billion dollars a year in reduced job opportunities for felons.  “In the eyes of the law, there is no difference between those (drug charges and grand larceny) and homicide.”

Treatment for drug use should be available; conviction and jail do not aid in rehabilitation. In many cases the cause is ignored and the result punished. On the other hand, we regularly see people in court for their third-fourth-fifth or sixth drug or DUI violations.

In any case, it is refreshing that people are considering options. Let’s hope they find some solutions.