Norfolk Elects Prosecutor Who Says Crime Is a “Symptom of Structural Racism” Virginia’s primaries on Tuesday saw Ramin Fatehi clinch the Democratic nomination for Commonwealth Attorney in Norfolk, the site of a major showdown over reform in 2019. He is unchallenged in November. Daniel Nichanian Jun 10, 2021
The Next Virginia Governor Could Wipe Out New Voting Rights Gains People with felony convictions who aren’t in prison can now vote. State elections could bring further progress or a sharp retreat. Daniel Nichanian Mar 26, 2021
Virginia Becomes the First Southern State to Abolish the Death Penalty Abolition advocates are celebrating a milestone for racial justice. Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Mar 24, 2021
In 2021, Don’t Sleep on Criminal Justice Elections DA, sheriff, and mayoral elections will present new openings to upend mass incarceration, from Manhattan and Philadelphia down to Virginia. Daniel Nichanian Jan 19, 2021
Eleven Prosecutors Form a Progressive Alliance in Virginia Their move breaches expectations of a monolithic law enforcement perspective, which in the past has helped DA associations push a punitive agenda. Daniel Nichanian Jul 28, 2020
Virginia Ends Prison Gerrymandering, the Latest Chapter in a Recent Tidal Wave New law changes where incarcerated people are counted for redistricting. Advocates vow to push against felony disenfranchisement next year. Daniel Nichanian Apr 23, 2020
Virginia Takes a Big Step Against Criminalizing Poverty Ending the suspension of driver’s licenses over court debt will spare hundreds of thousands each year. Advocates call for more action against fines and fees, especially during COVID-19. Daniel Nichanian Apr 17, 2020
Virginia Makes It Easier to Vote by Mail The state will no longer require an excuse when voters request an absentee ballot. Advocates say public authorities need to devote enough resources to facilitate mail-in voting and preserve alternatives. Daniel Nichanian Apr 16, 2020
Virginia Makes All Children Eligible for Parole, a Major Shift for This Punitive State The reform’s impact will hinge on Virginia’s parole board no longer denying most applications it receives. Daniel Nichanian Feb 24, 2020
Voters Beyond Big Cities Rejected Mass Incarceration in Tuesday’s Elections A wave of progressive candidates prevailed in elections for prosecutor, overhauling the politics of criminal justice in Virginia and beyond. Daniel Nichanian Nov 07, 2019
Reform Candidates Face Pushback in Virginia In Fairfax and Chesterfield counties, candidates for prosecutor want to reduce the volume of felony convictions. Reform opponents have coalesced against them. Daniel Nichanian Oct 17, 2019
Prosecutors Roll Out Reforms in Four States A Maryland prosecutor stops seeking cash bail, Kentucky and Virginia prosecutors limit pot cases, and a Hawaii prosecutor reduces charges for driving offenses. Daniel Nichanian Sep 19, 2019
Longtime Public Defender Runs for Prosecutor to Fight “Family Separation” "I saw families that were torn apart, and I saw the consequences of that,” Jim Hingeley, a candidate running in Albemarle County, Virginia, said in a Q&A. Daniel Nichanian Aug 28, 2019
Will November Bring a “Wave” of Reform Prosecutors in Virginia? Competitive elections for prosecutor will shape the prospects of decarceral reforms, from Fairfax to Chesterfield. Daniel Nichanian Jul 18, 2019
Prince William County Is at a Crossroads, As Powerful Local Officials Retire In November, voters get to orient prosecutorial discretion and immigration policy in the second most populous county in Virginia. Daniel Nichanian Jul 11, 2019
Mike May, Running for Prosecutor in Prince William County, Lays Out His Positions Daniel Nichanian Jul 10, 2019
In Key Virginia Primaries, Winners Ran on Ending Mass Incarceration Parisa Dehghani-Tafti and Steve Descano oust the chief prosecutors of Arlington and Fairfax counties, overhauling prosecution in Northern Virginia. Daniel Nichanian Jun 12, 2019
Tuesday's Elections Could Overhaul Prosecution in Northern Virginia Virginians are voting for their prosecutors in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. Daniel Nichanian Jun 06, 2019
“It Is Not Smart to Focus on Prosecuting Victimless Crimes like Drug Possession:” A Q&A with Amy Ashworth Amy Ashworth, who is running for prosecutor of Prince William County, discusses declinations, the death penalty, and cash bail. Daniel Nichanian May 30, 2019
"It Undermines Communities to be Seeking Convictions for Nonviolent Misdemeanor Offenses:" An Interview with Tracey Lenox Daniel Nichanian May 23, 2019
An Interview with Steve Descano: “Ending Mass Incarceration” Requires “a Systemic Approach” A candidate for prosecutor in Fairfax County, Virginia, explains his views on criminal justice reform, from charging practices and drugs to the death penalty. Daniel Nichanian Apr 18, 2019
“The Commonwealth’s Attorney Has a Very Holistic Role”: An interview with Virginia Candidate Parisa Dehghani-Tafti Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, a candidate for prosecutor, explains how she wants to fight mass incarceration in Arlington. Daniel Nichanian Feb 22, 2019
