Purpose:
We, the undersigned, demand urgent reform of Virginia’s child abuse laws following the sentencing of Carly Webb in Bedford County—a case that has exposed critical gaps in accountability under current Virginia law. The Law vs. The Outcome:
Under Virginia Code § 18.2-371.1, child abuse is defined as a felony when a caregiver, through a willful act or omission, causes or permits serious harm to a child. A Class 4 felony applies when abuse results in serious injury, carrying 2 to 10 years in prison 
A Class 6 felony applies when actions show reckless disregard for human life, carrying 1 to 5 years—or as little as 12 months in jail at the court’s discretion  In addition, under Virginia Code § 18.2-371, contributing to abuse or neglect can be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.  This is the gap. Even in cases involving repeated abuse, a judge may suspend most of a sentence or reduce active jail time dramatically. Case That Demands Change
In the case of Haisleigh Boothe, a defenseless 18-month-old child, evidence showed repeated abuse over time—much of it captured on video. Yet despite multiple charges, the final sentence resulted in just 365 days in jail. Under current Virginia law, this outcome is possible because: Judges retain broad discretion to suspend sentences Lower felony classifications allow reduced or concurrent sentencing The law does not adequately distinguish prolonged, repeated abuse from isolated incidents  The Problem in Virginia Law:
Virginia law recognizes child abuse as a felony—but fails to ensure that punishment reflects the severity, duration, and vulnerability involved. A toddler cannot speak. Cannot report. Cannot escape. Yet the law allows outcomes that do not match that reality. We Demand Immediate Legislative Action:
1. Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Reform (§ 18.2-371.1). Amend Virginia Code § 18.2-371.1 to require mandatory multi-year active prison sentences in cases involving: a. Repeated abuse
b. Video evidence
c. Victims under age 5 2. Eliminate Excessive Sentence Suspension (§ 18.2-10 Sentencing Structure). Limit judicial discretion to suspend sentences in felony child abuse cases, ensuring that imposed sentences are meaningfully served. 3. Reclassify Aggravated Child Abuse. Create a higher felony classification for: a. Prolonged abuse over time
b. Deprivation of basic needs (food, water, supervision)
c. Abuse against non-verbal children 4. Require Consecutive Sentencing. Mandate that multiple counts under § 18.2-371.1 be served consecutively, not concurrently, so each act of abuse carries weight. 5. Strengthen Protections for Vulnerable Victims. Amend statutes to explicitly recognize infants and toddlers as high-risk victims, requiring enhanced penalties. 6. Close the Misdemeanor Gap (§ 18.2-371). Ensure serious neglect cases cannot be reduced to misdemeanor-level penalties when harm or risk is substantial. Why This Matters:
Virginia law already acknowledges that child abuse can cause life-threatening harm, disfigurement, and lasting trauma. But when the system allows those crimes to result in one year of jail time, it undermines the very protections the law was designed to provide. Haisleigh Boothe had no voice. The law must become a voice for other children like Haisleigh. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14SewhQYUeK/?mibextid=wwXIfr