Petition to: Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James, and the Circuit Court of [Relevant County/City, Virginia] The Story In 2006, Sidney Nathaniel Harrison made a grave mistake when he committed second-degree robbery. At the time, Virginia’s laws allowed for harsh, unclassified felony sentences ranging from 5 years to life, often starting at 20 years or more. Due to multiple related offenses running consecutively rather than concurrently—and a sentence imposed outside of his recommended guidelines—Sidney was handed a staggering 58-year prison term. He was just a young man then, but today, after serving over 19 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections, Sidney is one year away from having served the maximum penalty now allowed under updated laws for the same crime. In 2021, Virginia passed House Bill 1936 (introduced by Delegate Vivian E. Watts), which redefined robbery and established degrees of punishment based on severity. Under this law, second-degree robbery—the exact offense Sidney was convicted of—is now punishable by a maximum of 20 years. This change was made because previous penalties were often “out of proportion to the offense” and excessively harsh. Tragically, HB 1936 is not retroactive, meaning individuals like Sidney, who were sentenced under the old system, continue to suffer disproportionate punishment. If the bill had applied retroactively, Sidney would have been eligible for release as early as 2021. Sidney’s case highlights a broken system where offenders convicted today for the same crime receive far lighter sentences, while those like him languish in prison. This isn’t just unfair—it’s an ongoing injustice that denies rehabilitation and second chances. Sidney has used his time incarcerated to transform his life. He takes full responsibility for his actions, expresses deep remorse, and has dedicated himself to personal growth and rehabilitation. His achievements speak volumes: • Published author of 3 urban novels • Diploma from Blackstone Institute for Paralegal Assistant • Diploma from Stratford Institute for Construction Contractor Manager • Certificate as a Mentor in Mental Health (SAM POD) • Certificates in Anger Management, Cognitive Thinking, and Criminal Addictive Behavior programs • Vocational training as a VCE Enterprise Industrial Maintenance Mechanic and Floor Technician • Currently studying for his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) These accomplishments weren’t handed to him—they were earned through hard work and a commitment to becoming a better person. Sidney is a devoted son, father, husband, uncle, sibling, and grandfather. His family has endured nearly two decades of undeserved hardship, but they stand by him, believing in his redemption. Prison should protect the public, but it should also allow for regret, remorse, and rehabilitation so individuals can return as productive, law-abiding citizens. Sidney is not asking for excuses—he’s asking for fairness. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-303, courts can modify unserved portions of felony sentences if it’s in the public interest and there are mitigating circumstances. Sidney’s excessive sentence, his rehabilitation, and the changes in law qualify as just that. Releasing him now would save taxpayer dollars, reunite a family, and allow a reformed man to contribute positively to society. Why This Matters Excessive sentencing doesn’t make our communities safer—it perpetuates inequality and wastes lives. Virginia’s own lawmakers recognized this by passing HB 1936, but without retroactive application, people like Sidney are left behind. By supporting this petition, you’re standing for justice, rehabilitation over endless punishment, and a system that values human potential. If you have a loved one or friend in a similar situation, this fight is for them too. What We’re Asking For We urge Governor Glenn Youngkin, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and the Circuit Court to: • Modify Sidney Nathaniel Harrison’s remaining sentence under Virginia Code § 19.2-303. • Consider his rehabilitation, the excessive nature of his original sentence, and the intent behind HB 1936. • Grant him release or probation so he can rebuild his life as a responsible, tax-paying citizen. Sign this petition to show your support and help bring Sidney home. Every signature brings us closer to correcting this injustice. Thank you, and God bless. Sidney Nathaniel Harrison
Inmate # [Redacted for Petition]
Virginia Department of Corrections
c/o Central Mail Distribution Center
3521 Woods Way, State Farm, VA 23160 (This petition is filed pro se on behalf of Sidney Nathaniel Harrison. For more details, reference Case No. [Relevant Case Number].)