RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A child advocacy group has issued a report criticizing the Virginia judicial system's handling of child abuse cases.
The National Association to PROTECT Children says its analysis of more than five years of court data shows that only a small percentage of reported crimes against children are prosecuted in Virginia. Most of those are disposed of by plea bargain, and very few cases result in meaningful prison sentences.
The organization prepared the report for two General Assembly committees that will meet Friday to interview judges who are up for reappointment. The report says 3 of the seven circuit court judges being interviewed show troubling patterns of sentencing in crimes against children.
