The VLW Blog

Gov. Tim Kaine has denied a petition for clemency in the case of Aleck Carpitcher, a man serving a 38-year sentence for assaulting an 11-year-old girl who later recanted her testimony.
The Roanoke Times reports there was no explanation from the governor’s office.
The decision is a disappointment for a team of lawyers with the Innocence Project [...]

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John V. Cogbill III has told the Richmond-area legislative delegation that he will not accept his appointment to the circuit court bench in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights.
Cogbill is managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Richmond office and very highly regarded for his expertise in land use and other real estate matters. He’s also a member of a [...]

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The Virginia Housing Development Authority recently earned honors from a national organization for its efforts to promote environmentally friendly apartments.   The National Council of State Housing Agencies recognized Virginia’s program with one of its special “Going Green” awards.
VHDA’s Green Building Incentive Program encourages construction of more environmentally friendly housing though a tax credit program [...]

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From the governor’s office:
Governor Timothy M. Kaine dec*lared a state of emergency today, directing state agencies to take all reasonable actions necessary to protect the health and safety of Virginians from the potentially damaging effects of Tropical Storm Hanna.
“Current forecasts predict Hanna will bring tropical storm force winds to Virginia, causing coastal flooding and the [...]

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From the Virginian-Pilot comes word that former Virginia governor and current Richmond lawyer Linwood Holton plans to discuss his life in politics at a Norfolk bookstore on June 17.

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It’s official. The civil remedial fees for motorists convicted of driving crimes ended today with the signature of Gov. Tim Kaine on Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1243.
The emergency legislation provides for refunds for those who have already paid a portion of the fees and excuses them from further payment. It even provides that [...]

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Gov. Timothy M. Kaine proposed today to spend almost $42 million to improve the state’s mental health system.
Kaine made it clear that the proposals are a direct response to the massacre at Virginia Tech in April and to the recommendations of a review panel he appointed to study the incident.
“The tragedy at Virginia Tech in [...]

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