Juveniles who are set to serve life sentences with life parole (for non-homicidal crimes only) may not be able to take advantage of SB142 until 2015. The bill allows juveniles in this situation to appeal for a shorter sentence.
This appeal will only take in effect after an individual has either served 20 years or turned 35 years old.
The decision to move the vote for SB142 came from the House Criminal Law Subcommittee. This turn of events did not come as a surprise to many, as the bill is relevant to serious crime ranging from assault to rape. The choice to put the bill on the back burner was expected. Sen. Dave Marsden of D-Fairfax, the bill’s patron, mentioned that talks regarding SB142 are complex.
On the contrary, SB142 would help individuals such as Travion Blount. The man took part in an armed robbery when he was 15. During the crime, no one was physically hurt. The other participants were given a 10 and 13 years sentence. Blount received six life terms plus 118 years.
Because of this, Blount’s appeal to the federal court regarding this matter is currently pending.
