Second Look Sentencing Act

SB 239, the Second Look Sentencing Act, would allow West Virginia courts to reconsider and potentially reduce prison sentences for individuals who were under 25 when they committed a crime and have served at least 10 years of a sentence exceeding 10 years. The court must hold a hearing, consider factors like rehabilitation, safety to the community, youth-related circumstances, and victim input, before deciding to reduce the sentence. If approved, the sentence is reduced and the person may remain under supervised release for up to five years. The bill requires written court reasoning for decisions and permits a second review after three years if the first motion is denied.