Using the Virginia Pretrial Data Project to Address Theoretical, Empirical & Policy Related Issues

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

In this panel we bring together scholars working with data developed and provided by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission (VCSC)—The Virginia Pretrial Data Project. Presenters from the VCSC will be discussing the effects of bail reform in Virginia, while other presenters will be empirically addressing theoretical and policy issues surrounding decision making in misdemeanor cases generally, court decision making in domestic and nondomestic violence cases, and the characteristics of clients who get placed on pretrial services and the conditions they receive. A primary goal of the panel is to present examples of how the Virginia Pretrial Data is being utilized to address important theoretical, empirical and policy related issues.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 44. Courts & Sentencing

Individual Presentations

• Assessing the Effects of Bail Reform: Evidence from Virginia - Meredith Farrar-Owens, Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission; Chang Kwon, Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission; Catherine Chen, Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission

• Is Punishment in the Processing in Misdemeanor Court Cases? A State-Wide Analysis - Ruth A. Triplett, Old Dominion University; Narissa A. Haakmat, Old Dominion University

• Differential Court Decision Making for Similar Behavior? Court Decisions in Cases of Domestic and Nondomestic Assault - Randy R. Gainey, Old Dominion University; Jeehye A. Kang, Old Dominion University

• Who Get’s What and What do they Get? A State-wide Analysis of Pretrial Services in Virginia - Melanie Holland, Kennesaw State University; Randy R. Gainey, Old Dominion University