WV HB4779

Requires the Board of Probation and Parole to consider the sentencing judge's recommended term of imprisonment when making parole decisions for "qualifying offenses"

Allows circuit judges to impose a definite term of imprisonment (up to the statutory maximum) for qualifying offenses based on the facts and circumstances of the case

Qualifying offenses include 44 categories of serious crimes: murder (first and second degree), voluntary manslaughter, sexual assault (first, second, and third degree), child abuse resulting in death, human trafficking, and DUI causing death or serious bodily injury

Drug-related qualifying offenses include possession with intent to deliver, delivery of controlled substances, delivery near schools, and transporting Schedule I or II substances into the state

Additional qualifying offenses cover domestic violence crimes, elder abuse, burglary, stalking with protective order violations, and distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors