KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Effective August 13, the Kanawha County District Attorney has issued the following directive:

NO AGREED-UP BAIL REDUCTIONS. No agreed-upon personal bonds or bail reductions for defendants charged with serious firearms crimes, serious sex crimes, or crimes of violence against children.

NO AGREED RELEASE FOR TREATMENT No agreed release for treatment for defendants accused of serious firearms crimes, serious sex crimes, or crimes of violence against children.

NO MISDEMNARY VERSIONS FOR CRIMINAL OFFENSES. No plea bargains downgrading serious felonies to misdemeanors for defendants charged with weapons offenses, sex crimes, or crimes against children.

“For too long, violent crimes involving firearms, sex crimes, and violent crimes against children have been treated like any other crime,” said Kanawha County District Attorney Debra Rusnak. “That stops today. Enough is enough. This office will advocate for victims of violent crime and ensure we seek the highest bail and sentences possible to protect victims and our community,” Rusnak continued. “The new Violent Offender Initiative for Community Empowerment (VOICE) is designed to hold the most violent offenders in our community accountable and protect our children and our citizens,” Rusnak concluded.

Check the WSAZ app regularly for the latest information.

All rights reserved.