"Invisible Disabilities are Still Disabilities," Bill Requiring Consideration of Autism, Mental Illness in Criminal Justice System Passes in Virginia

Date:  02-13-2021 Bill also repeals a state law that currently bans defendants from introducing evidence about their mental health conditions/disabilities

From WRIC ABC News 8: RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC)- Advocates say a law that bars Virginia courts from fully considering a person’s disability or mental illness is causing defendants with autism to fall through the cracks. A recently passed bill would require judges to take these conditions into consideration in more stages of the criminal justice system. Some prosecutors fear there could be unintended consequences. Matthew Rushin, a Black male with autism from Virginia Beach, is expected to be released this spring after originally being sentenced to 50 years in prison. Rushin, 22, was expected to serve a reduced term of 10 years when he was granted a partial pardon by Gov. Ralph Northam. Continue reading >>>