SB 195
Increasing penalty for second degree murder
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 195 aims to increase the penalties for individuals convicted of second-degree murder in West Virginia. Currently, second-degree murder carries a sentence of 15 to 40 years imprisonment. This bill would increase the minimum sentence to 15 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment. The bill also specifies that individuals serving a sentence for second-degree murder are not eligible for parole until they have served at least 15 years of their sentence or the minimum period required by another relevant statute, whichever is longer.
Key provisions
- Increases the minimum sentence for second-degree murder to 15 years.
- Allows for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for second-degree murder.
- Establishes a minimum parole eligibility period of 15 years for convicted individuals.
- Specifies that parole eligibility is determined by the longer of 15 years or the minimum sentence under another relevant statute.
Who is affected
- Individuals convicted of second-degree murder
- West Virginia prison inmates serving second-degree murder sentences
- The criminal justice system in West Virginia
Notable changes
- Increases the minimum sentence for second-degree murder from the previous range of 10 to 40 years.
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