SB111: Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE); created.


SENATE BILL NO. 111
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the House Committee for Courts of Justice
on February 27, 2012)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Howell)
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 19.2-303.5 and 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia, relating to an immediate sanction probation program.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That §§ 19.2-303.5 and 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 19.2-303.5. Immediate sanction probation program.

There may shall be established in the Commonwealth up to two an immediate sanction probation programs  program in accordance with the following provisions:

1. As a condition of a sentence suspended pursuant to § 19.2-303, a court may order a defendant convicted of a crime, other than a violent crime as defined in subsection C of § 17.1-805, to participate in an immediate sanction probation program.

2. If a participating offender fails to comply with any term or condition of his probation and the alleged probation violation is not that the offender committed a new crime or infraction, (i) his probation officer shall immediately issue a noncompliance letter pursuant to § 53.1-149 authorizing his arrest at any location in the Commonwealth and (ii) his probation violation hearing shall take priority on the court's docket. The probation officer may, in any event, exercise any other lawful authority he may have with respect to the offender.

3. When a participating offender is arrested pursuant to subdivision 2, the court shall conduct an immediate sanction hearing unless (i) the alleged probation violation is that the offender committed a new crime or infraction; (ii) the alleged probation violation is that the offender absconded for more than seven days; or (iii) the offender, attorney for the Commonwealth, or the court objects to such immediate sanction hearing. If the court conducts an immediate sanction hearing, it shall proceed pursuant to subdivision 4. Otherwise, the court shall proceed pursuant to § 19.2-306.

4. At the immediate sanction hearing, the court shall receive the noncompliance letter, which shall be admissible as evidence, and may receive other evidence. If the court finds good cause to believe that the offender has violated the terms or conditions of his probation, it may (i) revoke no more than 30 days of the previously suspended sentence and (ii) continue or modify any existing terms and conditions of probation. If the court does not modify the terms and conditions of probation or remove the defendant from the program, the previously ordered terms and conditions of probation shall continue to apply. The court may remove the offender from the immediate sanction probation program at any time.

5. The provisions of this section shall expire on July 1, 2012.

A. A person placed in the immediate sanction probation program shall be frequently reviewed by the probation and parole district office to ensure that there are no violations of the conditions of his suspended sentence. If a probation officer has reasonable cause to believe that a person in the immediate sanction probation program has violated any condition of his suspension, he shall, without exception, under the provisions of § 53.1-149, immediately arrest the offender or cause him to be arrested by issuing a noncompliance statement. The offender shall not be admitted to bail. After being taken into custody, the offender shall be brought before the court within 48 hours, except that if the offender is taken into custody on a Friday or the day before an extended holiday, his hearing before the court shall be given precedence on the docket. The probation officer may, in any event, exercise any other lawful authority he may have with respect to the offender.

B. When a participating offender is arrested pursuant to subsection B, the court shall conduct an expedited hearing unless (i) the alleged probation violation is that the offender committed a new felony offense or a misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; (ii) the alleged probation violation is that the offender absconded for more than seven days; or (iii) the offender, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the court objects to such expedited hearing. If the court conducts an expedited hearing, it shall proceed pursuant to subsection C; otherwise, the court shall proceed pursuant to § 19.2-306.

C. At the expedited hearing, the court shall receive a written noncompliance statement from the probation and parole district office, which shall be admissible as evidence, and may receive other evidence. If the court finds good cause to believe that the offender has violated the terms or conditions of his probation, it shall revoke some portion of the previously suspended sentence pursuant to subsection D and may continue or modify any existing terms and conditions of probation. If the court does not modify the terms and conditions of probation or remove the offender from the program, the previously ordered terms and conditions of probation shall continue to apply. The court may remove the offender from the immediate sanction probation program at any time.

D. 1. If the court finds good cause to believe that an offender subject to the immediate sanction probation program has violated the terms of suspension, it shall impose the following applicable sentence:

a. For the first violation, three to 10 days in jail;

b. For the second subsequent violation, 10 to 20 days in jail;

c. For the third subsequent violation, 20 to 30 days in jail; and

d. For the fourth subsequent violation, 30 to 90 days in jail.

2. No sentence set out in this subsection may be:

a. Suspended in whole or in part;

b. Reduced as a result of credits earned in accordance with § 53.1-187; or

c. Served on work release or home electronic monitoring as defined in §§ 53.1-131 and 53.1-131.2, respectively.

E. After the defendant has served his sentence for a fourth subsequent violation set out in subdivision D 1, the court may have the offender assessed by the probation and parole office for addiction to, or dependence on, controlled substances. If the assessment indicates that the offender is addicted to, or dependent on, a controlled substance or substances, the court shall provide the offender the option to enter a drug treatment court program established in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-254.1 if such a program exists in the circuit or, if such a program is not available, another substance abuse treatment program approved by the probation and parole district office.

F. Upon completion of a sentence for a fourth subsequent violation, an offender shall be removed from the immediate sanction probation program, and for any subsequent violation of the conditions of suspension, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306. No offender who has completed a sentence for a fourth violation is eligible for the immediate sanction probation program thereafter.

G. The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission may calculate the impact of a revocation of a suspended sentence for a participant in an immediate sanction probation program differently than the revocation of a sentence pursuant to § 19.2-306.

§ 19.2-306. Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation.

A. In any case in which the court has suspended the execution or imposition of sentence, the court may revoke the suspension of sentence for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred at any time within the probation period, or within the period of suspension fixed by the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court may revoke the suspension for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred within the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be imprisoned.

B. The court may not conduct a hearing to revoke the suspension of sentence unless the court, within one year after the expiration of the period of probation or the period of suspension, issues process to notify the accused or to compel his appearance before the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court shall issue process within one year after the expiration of the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be incarcerated. Such notice and service of process may be waived by the defendant, in which case the court may proceed to determine whether the defendant has violated the conditions of suspension.

C. 1. If the court, after hearing, finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, then: (i) if the court originally suspended the imposition of sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension, and the court may pronounce whatever sentence might have been originally imposed or (ii) if the court originally suspended the execution of the sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension and the original sentence shall be in full force and effect. The court may again suspend all or any part of this sentence and may place the defendant upon terms and conditions or probation.

2. In addition, the court, after hearing pursuant to subdivision 1, may place the offender, as a condition of probation, in the immediate sanction probation program established in § 19.2-303.5 if the offender has:

a. been convicted of a felony offense for which the sentence has been suspended in whole or in part;

b. been charged with violation of the conditions of probation supervision other than (i) absconding for more than seven days or (ii) commitment of a new felony offense or misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; and

c. never been convicted of a violent felony offense, as defined in § 17.1-805.

D. If any court has, after hearing, found no cause to impose a sentence that might have been originally imposed, or to revoke a suspended sentence or probation, then any further hearing to impose a sentence or revoke a suspended sentence or probation, based solely on the alleged violation for which the hearing was held, shall be barred.

E. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deprive any person of his right to appeal in the manner provided by law to the circuit court having criminal jurisdiction from a judgment or order revoking any suspended sentence.

2. That the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission shall administer the pilot testing of the provisions of this act in no more than five pilot site jurisdictions selected by the Commission.


SENATE BILL NO. 111
FLOOR AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by Senator Howell
on February 9, 2012)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Howell)
A BILL to amend and reenact § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6, relating to establishing Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6 as follows:

§ 19.2-303.6. Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

A. There is hereby created a program designated as Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

B. A person placed in the SURE program shall be frequently reviewed by the probation and parole district office to ensure that the person has not violated any conditions of his suspended sentence. If a probation officer has probable cause to believe that a person in the SURE program has violated any condition of his suspension, he shall, without exception, under the provisions of § 53.1-149, immediately arrest the defendant or cause him to be arrested by issuing a noncompliance statement. The defendant shall not be admitted to bail. After being taken into custody, the defendant shall be brought before the court within 48 hours, except that if the defendant is taken into custody on a Friday or the day before an extended holiday, his hearing before the court shall be given precedence on the docket. The probation officer may, in any event, exercise any other lawful authority he may have with respect to the offender.

C. When a participating offender is arrested pursuant to subsection B, the court shall conduct a SURE expedited hearing unless (i) the alleged probation violation is that the offender committed a new felony offense or a misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; (ii) the alleged probation violation is that the offender absconded for more than seven days; or (iii) the offender, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the court objects to such SURE expedited hearing. If the court conducts a SURE expedited hearing, it shall proceed pursuant to subsection D; otherwise, the court shall proceed pursuant to § 19.2-306.

D. At the SURE expedited hearing, the court shall receive a written noncompliance statement from the probation and parole district office, which shall be admissible as evidence, and may receive other evidence. If the court finds good cause to believe that the offender has violated the terms or conditions of his probation, it shall revoke some portion of the previously suspended sentence pursuant to subsection E and may continue or modify any existing terms and conditions of probation. If the court does not modify the terms and conditions of probation or remove the defendant from the program, the previously ordered terms and conditions of probation shall continue to apply. The court may remove the offender from the SURE program at any time.

E. 1. If the court finds good cause to believe that a defendant subject to SURE sanctions has violated the terms of suspension, it shall impose the following applicable sentence:

a. For the first violation, three to 10 days in jail;

b. For the second subsequent violation, 10 to 20 days in jail;

c. For the third subsequent violation, 20 to 30 days in jail; and

d. For the fourth subsequent violation, 30 to 90 days in jail.

2. No sentence set out in this subsection may be:

a. Suspended in whole or in part;

b. Reduced as a result of credits earned in accordance with § 53.1-187; or

c. Served on work release as defined in § 53.1-131 or home electronic monitoring pursuant to § 53.1-131.2.

F. After the defendant has served his sentence for a fourth subsequent violation set out in subdivision E 1, the court may have the defendant assessed by the probation and parole office for addiction to, or dependence on, controlled substances. If the assessment indicates that the defendant is addicted to, or dependent on, a controlled substance or substances, the court shall provide the defendant the option to enter a drug treatment court program established in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-254.1 if such a program exists in the circuit or, if one is not available, another substance abuse treatment program approved by the probation and parole district office.

G. Upon completion of a sentence for a fourth subsequent violation, an offender shall be removed from the SURE program, and for any subsequent violation of the conditions of suspension, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306. No defendant who has completed a sentence for a fourth violation is eligible for the SURE program thereafter.

H. The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission may calculate the impact of a revocation of a suspended sentence for a participant in an immediate sanction probation program differently than the revocation of a sentence pursuant to § 19.2-306.

§ 19.2-306. Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation.

A. In any case in which the court has suspended the execution or imposition of sentence, the court may revoke the suspension of sentence for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred at any time within the probation period, or within the period of suspension fixed by the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court may revoke the suspension for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred within the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be imprisoned.

B. The court may not conduct a hearing to revoke the suspension of sentence unless the court, within one year after the expiration of the period of probation or the period of suspension, issues process to notify the accused or to compel his appearance before the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court shall issue process within one year after the expiration of the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be incarcerated. Such notice and service of process may be waived by the defendant, in which case the court may proceed to determine whether the defendant has violated the conditions of suspension.

C. 1. If the court, after hearing, finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, then: (i) if the court originally suspended the imposition of sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension, and the court may pronounce whatever sentence might have been originally imposed or (ii) if the court originally suspended the execution of the sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension and the original sentence shall be in full force and effect. The court may again suspend all or any part of this sentence and may place the defendant upon terms and conditions or probation.

2. In addition, the court, after hearing pursuant to subdivision 1, may place the defendant, with the defendant's consent and the consent of the attorney for the Commonwealth, as a condition of probation, in the SURE program established in § 19.2-303.6 if the defendant :

a. Has been convicted of a felony offense for which the sentence has been suspended in whole or in part;

b. Has been charged with violation of the conditions of probation supervision other than (i) absconding for more than seven days or (ii) commitment of a new felony offense or misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; and

c. Has never been convicted of a violent felony offense, as defined in § 17.1-805.

D. If any court has, after hearing, found no cause to impose a sentence that might have been originally imposed, or to revoke a suspended sentence or probation, then any further hearing to impose a sentence or revoke a suspended sentence or probation, based solely on the alleged violation for which the hearing was held, shall be barred.

E. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deprive any person of his right to appeal in the manner provided by law to the circuit court having criminal jurisdiction from a judgment or order revoking any suspended sentence.

2.  That the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission shall select no more than 10 jurisdictions to be pilot sites for the SURE Program and shall administer the provisions of this act in the jurisdictions selected as pilot sites effective July 1, 2012.

3.  That the provisions of this act shall be implemented only in those jurisdictions selected by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to be pilot sites for the SURE Program.


SENATE BILL NO. 111
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Finance
on February 7, 2012)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Howell)
A BILL to amend and reenact § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6, relating to establishing Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6 as follows:

§ 19.2-303.6. Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

A. There is hereby created a program designated as Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

B. A person placed in the SURE program shall be frequently reviewed by the probation and parole district office to ensure that there are no violations of the conditions of his suspended sentence. If a probation officer has probable cause to believe that a person in the SURE program has violated any condition of his suspension, he shall, without exception, under the provisions of § 53.1-149, immediately arrest the defendant or cause him to be arrested by issuing a noncompliance statement. The defendant shall not be admitted to bail. After being taken into custody, the defendant shall be brought before the court within 48 hours, except that if the defendant is taken into custody on a Friday or the day before an extended holiday, his hearing before the court shall be given precedence on the docket. The probation officer may, in any event, exercise any other lawful authority he may have with respect to the offender.

C. When a participating offender is arrested pursuant to subsection B, the court shall conduct a SURE expedited hearing unless (i) the alleged probation violation is that the offender committed a new felony offense or a misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; (ii) the alleged probation violation is that the offender absconded for more than seven days; or (iii) the offender, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the court objects to such SURE expedited hearing. If the court conducts a SURE expedited hearing, it shall proceed pursuant to subsection D; otherwise, the court shall proceed pursuant to § 19.2-306.

D. At the SURE expedited hearing, the court shall receive a written noncompliance statement from the probation and parole district office, which shall be admissible as evidence, and may receive other evidence. If the court finds good cause to believe that the offender has violated the terms or conditions of his probation, it shall revoke some portion of the previously suspended sentence pursuant to subsection E and may continue or modify any existing terms and conditions of probation. If the court does not modify the terms and conditions of probation or remove the defendant from the program, the previously ordered terms and conditions of probation shall continue to apply. The court may remove the offender from the SURE program at any time.

E. 1. If the court finds good cause to believe that a defendant subject to SURE sanctions has violated the terms of suspension, it shall impose the following applicable sentence:

a. For the first violation, three to 10 days in jail;

b. For the second subsequent violation, 10 to 20 days in jail;

c. For the third subsequent violation, 20 to 30 days in jail; and

d. For the fourth subsequent violation, 30 to 90 days in jail.

2. No sentence set out in this subsection may be:

a. Suspended in whole or in part;

b. Reduced as a result of credits earned in accordance with § 53.1-187; or

c. Served on work release or home electronic monitoring as defined in §§ 53.1-131 and 53.1-131.2.

F. After the defendant has served his sentence for a fourth subsequent violation set out in subdivision E 1, the court may have the defendant assessed by the probation and parole office for addiction to, or dependence on, controlled substances. If the assessment indicates that the defendant is addicted to, or dependent on, a controlled substance or substances, the court shall provide the defendant the option to enter a drug treatment court program established in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-254.1 if such a program exists in the circuit or, if one is not available, another substance abuse treatment program approved by the probation and parole district office.

G. Upon completion of a sentence for a fourth subsequent violation, an offender shall be removed from the SURE program, and for any subsequent violation of the conditions of suspension, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306. No defendant who has completed a sentence for a fourth violation is eligible for the SURE program thereafter.

H. The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission may calculate the impact of a revocation of a suspended sentence for a participant in an immediate sanction probation program differently than the revocation of a sentence pursuant to § 19.2-306.

§ 19.2-306. Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation.

A. In any case in which the court has suspended the execution or imposition of sentence, the court may revoke the suspension of sentence for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred at any time within the probation period, or within the period of suspension fixed by the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court may revoke the suspension for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred within the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be imprisoned.

B. The court may not conduct a hearing to revoke the suspension of sentence unless the court, within one year after the expiration of the period of probation or the period of suspension, issues process to notify the accused or to compel his appearance before the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court shall issue process within one year after the expiration of the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be incarcerated. Such notice and service of process may be waived by the defendant, in which case the court may proceed to determine whether the defendant has violated the conditions of suspension.

C. 1. If the court, after hearing, finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, then: (i) if the court originally suspended the imposition of sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension, and the court may pronounce whatever sentence might have been originally imposed or (ii) if the court originally suspended the execution of the sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension and the original sentence shall be in full force and effect. The court may again suspend all or any part of this sentence and may place the defendant upon terms and conditions or probation.

2. In addition, the court, after hearing pursuant to subdivision 1, may place the defendant, with the defendant's consent and the consent of the attorney for the Commonwealth, as a condition of probation, in the SURE program established in § 19.2-303.6 if the defendant meets the following criteria:

a. Convicted of a felony offense for which the sentence has been suspended in whole or in part;

b. Charged with violation of the conditions of probation supervision other than (i) absconding for more than seven days or (ii) commitment of a new felony offense or misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; and

c. Never been convicted of a violent felony offense, as defined in § 17.1-805.

D. If any court has, after hearing, found no cause to impose a sentence that might have been originally imposed, or to revoke a suspended sentence or probation, then any further hearing to impose a sentence or revoke a suspended sentence or probation, based solely on the alleged violation for which the hearing was held, shall be barred.

E. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deprive any person of his right to appeal in the manner provided by law to the circuit court having criminal jurisdiction from a judgment or order revoking any suspended sentence.

2.  That the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission shall select no more than 10 jurisdictions to be pilot sites and shall administer the provisions of this act in the jurisdictions selected as pilot sites effective July 1, 2012.

3.  That the provisions of § 19.2-303.6 as added by this act and subdivision C 2 of § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia shall be implemented in the jurisdictions that are selected as pilot sites effective July 1, 2012, and shall be implemented in the remaining jurisdictions in the Commonwealth on July 1, 2014.


SENATE BILL NO. 111
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice
on January 30, 2012)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Senator Howell)
A BILL to amend and reenact § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6, relating to establishing Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6 as follows:

§ 19.2-303.6. Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

A. There is hereby created a program designated as Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

B. A person placed in the SURE program shall be frequently reviewed by the probation and parole district office to ensure that there are no violations of the conditions of his suspended sentence. If a probation officer has probable cause to believe that a person in the SURE program has violated any condition of his suspension, he shall, without exception, under the provisions of § 53.1-149, immediately arrest the defendant or cause him to be arrested by issuing a noncompliance statement. The defendant shall not be admitted to bail. After being taken into custody, the defendant shall be brought before the court within 48 hours, except that if the defendant is taken into custody on a Friday or the day before an extended holiday, his hearing before the court shall be given precedence on the docket. The probation officer may, in any event, exercise any other lawful authority he may have with respect to the offender.

C. When a participating offender is arrested pursuant to subsection B, the court shall conduct a SURE expedited hearing unless (i) the alleged probation violation is that the offender committed a new felony offense or a misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; (ii) the alleged probation violation is that the offender absconded for more than seven days; or (iii) the offender, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the court objects to such SURE expedited hearing. If the court conducts a SURE expedited hearing, it shall proceed pursuant to subsection D; otherwise, the court shall proceed pursuant to § 19.2-306.

D. At the SURE expedited hearing, the court shall receive a written noncompliance statement from the probation and parole district office, which shall be admissible as evidence, and may receive other evidence. If the court finds good cause to believe that the offender has violated the terms or conditions of his probation, it shall revoke some portion of the previously suspended sentence pursuant to subsection E and may continue or modify any existing terms and conditions of probation. If the court does not modify the terms and conditions of probation or remove the defendant from the program, the previously ordered terms and conditions of probation shall continue to apply. The court may remove the offender from the SURE program at any time.

E. 1. If the court finds good cause to believe that a defendant subject to SURE sanctions has violated the terms of suspension, it shall impose the following applicable sentence:

a. For the first violation, three to 10 days in jail;

b. For the second subsequent violation, 10 to 20 days in jail;

c. For the third subsequent violation, 20 to 30 days in jail; and

d. For the fourth subsequent violation, 30 to 90 days in jail.

2. No sentence set out in this subdivision may be:

a. Suspended in whole or in part;

b. Reduced as a result of credits earned in accordance with § 53.1-187; or

c. Served on work release or home electronic monitoring as defined in §§ 53.1-131 and 53.1-131.2.

F. After the defendant has served his sentence for a fourth subsequent violation set out in subdivision E 1, the court may have the defendant assessed by the probation and parole office for addiction to, or dependence on, controlled substances. If the assessment indicates that the defendant is addicted to, or dependent on, a controlled substance or substances, the court shall provide the defendant the option to enter a drug treatment court program established in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-254.1 if such a program exists in the circuit or, if one is not available, another substance abuse treatment program approved by the probation and parole district office.

G. Upon completion of a sentence for a fourth subsequent violation, an offender shall be removed from the SURE program, and for any subsequent violation of the conditions of suspension, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306. No defendant who has completed a sentence for a fourth violation is eligible for the SURE program thereafter.

H. The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission may calculate the impact of a revocation of a suspended sentence for a participant in an immediate sanction probation program differently than the revocation of a sentence pursuant to § 19.2-306.

§ 19.2-306. Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation.

A. In any case in which the court has suspended the execution or imposition of sentence, the court may revoke the suspension of sentence for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred at any time within the probation period, or within the period of suspension fixed by the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court may revoke the suspension for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred within the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be imprisoned.

B. The court may not conduct a hearing to revoke the suspension of sentence unless the court, within one year after the expiration of the period of probation or the period of suspension, issues process to notify the accused or to compel his appearance before the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court shall issue process within one year after the expiration of the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be incarcerated. Such notice and service of process may be waived by the defendant, in which case the court may proceed to determine whether the defendant has violated the conditions of suspension.

C. 1. If the court, after hearing, finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, then: (i) if the court originally suspended the imposition of sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension, and the court may pronounce whatever sentence might have been originally imposed or (ii) if the court originally suspended the execution of the sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension and the original sentence shall be in full force and effect. The court may again suspend all or any part of this sentence and may place the defendant upon terms and conditions or probation.

2. In addition, the court, after hearing pursuant to subdivision 1, may place the defendant, with the defendant's consent and the consent of the attorney for the Commonwealth, as a condition of probation, in the SURE program established in § 19.2-303.6 if the defendant meets the following criteria:

a. Convicted of a felony offense for which the sentence has been suspended in whole or in part;

b. Charged with violation of the conditions of probation supervision other than (i) absconding for more than seven days or (ii) commitment of a new felony offense or misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed; and

c. Never been convicted of a violent felony offense, as defined in § 17.1-805.

D. If any court has, after hearing, found no cause to impose a sentence that might have been originally imposed, or to revoke a suspended sentence or probation, then any further hearing to impose a sentence or revoke a suspended sentence or probation, based solely on the alleged violation for which the hearing was held, shall be barred.

E. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deprive any person of his right to appeal in the manner provided by law to the circuit court having criminal jurisdiction from a judgment or order revoking any suspended sentence.

2.  That the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission shall administer the pilot testing of the provisions of this act, effective July 1, 2012, in no more than 10 pilot site jurisdictions selected by the Commission.

SENATE BILL NO. 111
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled January 9, 2012
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 19.2-304 and 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6, relating to establishing Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).
Patron-- Howell

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That §§ 19.2-304 and 19.2-306 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 19.2-303.6 as follows:

§ 19.2-303.6. Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE).

A. There is hereby created a sentencing program designated as Sanctions with Unified Rapid Enforcement (SURE) to be used by circuit courts for certain offenders who have violated terms of their probation but have not been charged with a new felony or a misdemeanor for which a jail sentence can be imposed. Before becoming applicable in all judicial circuits, SURE shall be implemented in a limited number of jurisdictions selected by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to be pilot sites for a period of two years. The Commission shall administer this pilot testing of SURE.

B. Defendants subject to SURE sanctions shall be limited to those who (i) have been convicted of felony offenses and whose sentences have been suspended by the court in accordance with § 19.2-303 and (ii) have never been convicted of a violent offense, as defined in § 17.1-805.

C. 1. When the court, under the provisions of § 19.2-306, is to consider the revocation of the suspended sentence of a defendant who meets the SURE criteria, before making a determination upon revocation, if it finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, it shall provide the defendant the option of being subject to SURE sanctions.

2. If the court suspects the offender has an addiction to, or dependence on, a controlled substance or substances, it shall have the defendant assessed by the probation and parole office. If the assessment indicates that the defendant is addicted to, or dependent on, a controlled substance or substances, the court shall provide the defendant the option to enter the drug treatment court program, if such a program exists in the circuit. If the defendant declines to be subject to SURE sanctions or to enter the drug treatment court program, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306.

3. If a defendant agrees to be subject to SURE sanctions, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306, except that, if the court finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, it may not revoke the suspension and impose all or part of the original sentence. It shall, instead, reimpose the suspended sentence subject to whatever conditions the court may impose, provided, however, that one of the conditions shall be that the defendant shall be subject to SURE sanctions.

4. Counsel may move the court that, for good cause shown, the defendant not be given the option of being subject to SURE sanctions.

D. If a probation officer has reasonable cause to believe that a person subject to SURE sanctions has violated a condition of his suspension, he shall, under the provisions of § 53.1-149, immediately arrest the defendant or cause him to be arrested. After being taken into custody, the defendant shall be brought before the court within 24 hours, except that if the defendant is taken into custody on a Friday or the day before an official holiday, he shall be brought before the court on the next business day.

E. 1. If the court finds good cause to believe that a defendant subject to SURE sanctions has violated the terms of suspension, it shall impose the following applicable sentence:

a. For the first violation, 5 to 10 days in jail;

b. For the second subsequent violation, 15 to 20 days in jail;

c. For the third subsequent violation, 25 to 30 days in jail; and

d. For the fourth subsequent violation, 90 days to 12 months in jail.

2. No sentence set out in this subsection may be:

a. Suspended in whole or in part; or

b. Reduced as a result of credits earned in accordance with § 53.1-187.

F. A defendant who agrees to be subject to SURE sanctions shall be deemed to have waived his right to counsel upon entering the SURE program. If a defendant chooses to exercise his right to counsel, the time limits set out in subsection D shall not be applicable.

G. Before imposing the sentence for a fourth subsequent SURE violation set out in subdivision E 1, the court may have the defendant assessed by the probation and parole office for addiction to, or dependence on, controlled substances. If the assessment indicates that the defendant is addicted to, or dependent on, a controlled substance or substances, the court shall provide the defendant the option to enter a drug treatment court program, established in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-254.1, if such a program exists in the circuit. If there is no drug treatment court program available or if the defendant declines to enter such program if available, the court shall impose sentence as provided in subdivision E 1.

H. Upon completion of a sentence for a fourth subsequent SURE violation, an offender shall be placed on regular probation supervision. For any subsequent violation of the conditions of suspension, the court shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of § 19.2-306. No defendant who has completed a sentence for a fourth SURE violation may be eligible for SURE sanctions for violations of the conditions of suspension imposed in connection with the suspended sentence for an offense.

§ 19.2-304. Increasing or decreasing probation period and modification of conditions.

The court may subsequently increase or decrease the probation period and, except as provided in § 19.2-303.6, may revoke or modify any condition of probation, but only upon a hearing after reasonable notice to both the defendant and the attorney for the Commonwealth.

§ 19.2-306. Revocation of suspension of sentence and probation.

A. In Except as provided in § 19.2-303.6, in any case in which the court has suspended the execution or imposition of sentence, the court may revoke the suspension of sentence for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred at any time within the probation period, or within the period of suspension fixed by the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court may revoke the suspension for any cause the court deems sufficient that occurred within the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be imprisoned.

B. The court may not conduct a hearing to revoke the suspension of sentence unless the court, within one year after the expiration of the period of probation or the period of suspension, issues process to notify the accused or to compel his appearance before the court. If neither a probation period nor a period of suspension was fixed by the court, then the court shall issue process within one year after the expiration of the maximum period for which the defendant might originally have been sentenced to be incarcerated. Such notice and service of process may be waived by the defendant, in which case the court may proceed to determine whether the defendant has violated the conditions of suspension.

C. If the court, after hearing, finds good cause to believe that the defendant has violated the terms of suspension, then: (i) if the court originally suspended the imposition of sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension, and the court may pronounce whatever sentence might have been originally imposed or (ii) if the court originally suspended the execution of the sentence, the court shall revoke the suspension and the original sentence shall be in full force and effect. The court may again suspend all or any part of this sentence and may place the defendant upon terms and conditions or probation.

D. If any court has, after hearing, found no cause to impose a sentence that might have been originally imposed, or to revoke a suspended sentence or probation, then any further hearing to impose a sentence or revoke a suspended sentence or probation, based solely on the alleged violation for which the hearing was held, shall be barred.

E. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deprive any person of his right to appeal in the manner provided by law to the circuit court having criminal jurisdiction from a judgment or order revoking any suspended sentence.