#VirginiaPublicDefenders
Senate Bill 412 aims to ensure defendants have legal counsel at their first court appearance, potentially reducing pretrial detention and addressing racial disparities in Virginia's criminal justice system.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #RacialEquity #PretrialReform #VirginiaPublicDefenders
Committee backs counsel‑at‑first‑appearance substitute for districts with public defenders
Senate Bill 412 would require counsel at first appearance in many public defender jurisdictions; sponsors said it reduces unnecessary pretrial detention and racial disparities, while local prosecutors cautioned about resource needs. Committee adopted a substitute and sent the measure to Finance.
citizenportal.ai
February 5, 2026 at 10:45 AM