WV: Criminal Justice
People with disabilities over-represented in justice system
Nationwide, people with disabilities are overrepresented both as victims of crime and those who are accused of crimes, and advocates believe the …
Methadone prescription bill could ease restrictions for West Virginians
Senate lawmakers are soon expected to vote on the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, legislation introduced this year by Republican Sen…
Report: Minorities a majority in WV prison population
A new study of incarceration trends shows Black people are jailed at a rate three times higher than their white peers in West Virginia, even though …
WV prison food: Rotten or poor quality, lawsuits, lack of oversight
West Virginia's contracts with Aramark Correctional Services have come under scrutiny after a lawsuit brought by incarcerated residents, alleging …
Fewer juveniles locked up in WV; recommendations to continue the trend
The number of children behind bars in West Virginia has declined significantly in recent years, but their advocates said more work could be done to …
Ballooning Costs for Police Overtime Pay in Charleston, WV
The City of Charleston continues to funnel massive amounts of funding toward law enforcement. According to a new report, since 2020, Charleston's …
Mounting Evidence Finds Youth Incarceration Ineffective
A wealth of research shows youth incarceration doesn't increase public safety or work for youth well-being, according to a recent report from the …
New WV Law Aims to Address Jail Overcrowding
A new West Virginia law requires magistrates and judges to set a hearing within five days for people who've been arrested for not showing up to a cour…
Reentry Poses Challenges for West Virginians' Life After Prison
West Virginians released from prison are not allowed to vote until their parole or probation period is over and their sentence is complete. Since …
WV Program Mentors People Re-Entering Society After Prison
West Virginia's prison population has ballooned, and formerly incarcerated people face numerous obstacles when they are released. A Charleston-based …
Drug Offenders Could Get a Decade of Extended Supervision Under Proposed Law
People convicted of a second offense for selling or transporting fentanyl into the Mountain State could get up to a decade of extended supervision aft…
Bill Would Restore Rights for West Virginians on Probation, Parole
West Virginians with past felonies who are on probation and parole currently are barred from voting, but new legislation aims to change that…