Virginia state crime commission is crafting a proposal to strengthen the state’s police officer decertification law.
According to reports, the commission is working with the Department of Criminal Justice Services to strengthen the existing statute. Currently, an officer can be decertified if he or she is convicted of a felony, fails to meet training requirements, fails a drug test or refuses to take one.
The proposal may include penalties for some misdemeanor convictions, such as those with a certain amount of time in prison, in addition to what is already included.
Additionally, the commission may suggest ways to close an apparent loophole, allowing some officers who would have otherwise been decertified to escape punishment. Currently, an officer can only be decertified if their boss reports their conduct to the Criminal Justice Services Board. In some cases, the superiors allow an officer to resign without reporting the offense to the board. This allows for an officer to be able to obtain another job in the future with a different law enforcement organization.
If you are facing any type of criminal charges, it is imperative to discuss your case with an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney. Call for your free, initial consultation.
