WV: Criminal Justice
As WV’s jail crisis mounts, ‘Second Look’ policies gain traction
Amid overcrowding and unsafe conditions in West Virginia jails, state lawmakers introduced bills that would allow judges to take a 'second look' at …
Report: Compensation to exonerated people nearly doubled in five years
People wrongfully convicted of crimes in the United States have received around $2.2 billion in compensation claims since 2019. A new report by the …
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 …