VA HB102

Increases the maximum penalty for voluntary manslaughter from a Class 5 felony to imprisonment of 1-20 years in a state correctional facility

Allows alternative sentencing at the discretion of the jury or court: jail confinement up to 12 months, a fine up to $2,500, or both

Current law classifies voluntary manslaughter as a Class 5 felony, which carries a penalty of 1-10 years imprisonment (or up to 12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine at court discretion)

The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission assigned a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000 due to anticipated increases in imprisonment periods