Group protests Virginia's parole law - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Protestors gathered near the Capitol building Monday to bring attention to a number of Virginia's convicted felons.

Nearly two dozen protestors took to the streets for their loved ones behind bars. They want them to be given a second chance and shared their concerns.

"They don't even talk to the inmates anymore," said one protestor.

"Virginia is supposed to be for lovers. Love these men and these women," Tuesday Scott, founder of the group STAND told people passing by.

Scott says the Commonwealth's current law is ‘unjust.' Her husband is currently serving time in Powhatan Prison.

"He's done everything that the state has asked him to do. The guidelines and Virginia will not grant him parole," she said.

Many of the people with STAND say that their loved ones in jail are first time offenders and that many of them have served more than two decades behind bars.

Virginia abolished parole for felonies committed after January 1995, but those convicted before that date are still eligible for parole, if they meet strict requirements. Factors include the prisoner's conduct and rehabilitation, along with the nature of the crime.

STAND members say their loved ones have no infractions on their time served, but are judged solely on their crime.

Alfreda Leavell's son is in Powhatan Prison for murder, robbery and use of a firearm. He was 16-years-old at the time.

"He was just a young guy, made a mistake in life," she said. "He has jobs waiting for him. My son has even applied for jobs since he's been in prison and guess what? He got accepted."

"You've got people maybe over 25-30 years ago and that crime is still held over their head," said Scott. "There's no forgiveness in Virginia."

This group is urging the parole board to take a closer look at these men and women and judge them now for who they are today.

The Attorney General's office refused comment, because of ongoing litigation on the parole issue. Eleven inmates have filed a lawsuit claiming prisoners were illegally denied parole.

Right now, lawyers have filed a reconsideration in a federal appeals court.

The Virginia Board of Parole chairman William Muse says STAND has not yet reached out to them about their concerns, but he says the board is willing to talk one-on-one with family members on why they believe their loved one should be granted parole.

Copyright 2012 WWBT NBC12.  All rights reserved.