17.1-801 - Purpose. - Virginia Statutes

§ 17.1-801. Purpose.

The General Assembly, to ensure the imposition of appropriate and justcriminal penalties, and to make the most efficient use of correctionalresources, especially for the effective incapacitation of violent criminaloffenders, has determined that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealthto develop, implement, and revise discretionary sentencing guidelines. Thepurposes of the Commission established under this chapter are to assist thejudiciary in the imposition of sentences by establishing a system ofdiscretionary guidelines and to establish a discretionary sentencingguidelines system which emphasizes accountability of the offender and of thecriminal justice system to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

The Commission shall develop discretionary sentencing guidelines to achievethe goals of certainty, consistency, and adequacy of punishment with dueregard to the seriousness of the offense, the dangerousness of the offender,deterrence of individuals from committing criminal offenses and the use ofalternative sanctions, where appropriate.

(1994, 2nd Sp. Sess., cc. 1, 2, § 17-233; 1998, c. 872.)