Press Releases

ACLU-VA Files Brief in Support of Lawsuit Against DMV’s Automatic Driver’s License Suspension Practice

On Wednesday, August 16, the ACLU of Virginia joined the NAACP and 17 other civil rights groups in filing a brief in the appeals court supporting the Legal Aid Justice Center’s position in a lawsuit challenging Virginia's automatic suspension of driver's licenses over non-payment of court fees.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU-VA Joins Groups to Urge Virginia Board of Education to Postpone Final Approval of Major Education Plan

Today, the ACLU of Virginia joined a coalition of education and civil rights organizations to urge the Virginia Board of Education (Board) to postpone its final approval of a state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU of Virginia’s Statement on Governor Terry McAuliffe’s Rejection of Plea for Clemency for William Morva

We are saddened beyond words that Gov. Terry McAuliffe has chosen to allow the execution of William Morva, a mentally ill man, despite strong appeals for clemency from state, national and international mental health and human rights advocates.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Virginia Advocacy Group Begins Solitary Confinement Talks with Governor McAuliffe’s Office

The ACLU-VA and advocacy partners met with members of Gov. Terry McAuliffe's cabinet to discuss evidence-based reform measures, in an effort to drastically reduce the use of this inhumane practice.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU-VA Seeks Damages for Man Unlawfully Jailed for Months

The ACLU of Virginia is seeking relief in the courts for a man who was unlawfully jailed for two-and-a-half months beyond what his court sentences required.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU-VA Urges Governor Terry McAuliffe to Veto Bills that Would Codify Wealth-based Discrimination in Virginia Criminal Justice System

On April 13, ACLU-VA Executive Director Claire Guthrie Gastañaga sent a letter to Gov. Terry McAuliffe asking him to veto companion bills HB1856 and SB1285, which would require courts to put people ordered to pay restitution on indefinite probation and codify wealth-based discrimination in Virginia
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform