SB 634: The Second Look Bill; Petition for Modification of a Sentence
🟡 THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: SB 634
Bill Patron: Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D)
Bill Area: Criminal Justice / Sentencing
Who This Bill Affects: Violent felons (including murderers, rapists, and child molesters), victims and survivors of violent crimes, circuit courts and probation services.
QUICK SUMMARY
SB 634, the so‑called “The Second Look” Bill, allows convicted felons to return to court after serving 15, 20, or 25 years and ask a judge to shorten their sentence, run it concurrently with another sentence, or release them to probation.
RALLY ANALYSIS
SB 634 creates a powerful new mechanism for violent offenders to seek early release. It hands judges the authority to override long‑standing sentences for some of the most serious crimes in Virginia’s criminal code.
This bill is pro‑felon and anti‑victim. It prioritizes the desires of convicted criminals. This is not about minor crimes. It applies to violent offenders, including those convicted of murder, rape, and child sexual abuse.
Victims who believed their cases were settled can suddenly be dragged back into courtrooms decades later, forced to relive the trauma of rape, assault, or the murder of a loved one. The bill offers no meaningful safeguards to prevent repeated petitions or to protect victims from being retraumatized.
The proposal also burdens courts, prosecutors, and probation systems with a wave of new hearings, reviews, and administrative demands.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Creates a new early‑release pathway for murderers, rapists, and child molesters, not low‑level offenders.
- Forces victims back into court, requiring them to testify again and relive the trauma of their assault or the loss of a loved one.
- Undermines the original sentencing decisions made by juries, judges, and prosecutors who carefully weighed the severity of the crime.
- Puts public safety at risk by enabling early release for individuals whose crimes were so severe that long sentences were deemed necessary.
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ OPPOSE
We strongly oppose SB 634. “The Second Look” Bill is a dangerous, pro‑criminal proposal that reopens the door for violent offenders to escape their original sentence.
Rally Virginia stands with victims; not force them back into court to defend their trauma all over again.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
