"VIRGINIA EXILE" TO BE UNVEILED

      On July 1, Virginia's version of Project Exile will go into effect, making the Old Dominion the first state to expand this crime-fighting tool beyond the city level.

      Project Exile is the tremendously successful cooperative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors that calls for full prosecution of violent gun crimes under federal law. The program originated in Richmond, Va., and has been credited with being the primary reason Richmond's homicides and firearm-related crimes have decreased dramatically in recent years. Similar programs have been started in several other cities throughout the U.S.

...Richmond's homicides and firearm-related crimes have decreased dramatically in recent years...

      Supporters of Virginia Exile claim that it may be tougher than the Richmond program, as it gives law enforcement more options. Under Virginia's law, when an individual who is prohibited from possessing a firearm is caught with one in his possession, officials have the ability to pick the jurisdiction in which the violator should be prosecuted. While most firearm- related violations will carry more severe penalties under federal law, there are situations when state laws are stricter, and Virginia Exile will allow for prosecuting criminals under the laws that carry the most severe penalties.

      Starting July 1, all cases that may be subject to Virginia Exile will be sent to a committee comprised of local, state, and federal officials to determine if the case should be prosecuted at the state or federal level.

Virginia Exile Web Site More FAX Alerts About Project Exile

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This information is provided as a service of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, Fairfax, VA.

This and other information on the Second Amendment and the NRA is available at: http://WWW.NRA.Org