West Virginians believe in protecting our children. Yet under our current laws, individuals accused of the most serious sexual crimes against children under 12 are routinely granted bond and released back into our communities—often within hours or days of arrest. This is not a hypothetical problem. It is happening in counties across our state, from our smallest communities to our largest population centers.

West Virginia Code §62‑1C, which governs bail and pretrial release, does not currently provide judges with the clear authority to deny bond in cases involving the sexual abuse, assault, or exploitation of a child under 12. As a result, accused offenders are frequently released before a full risk assessment can be conducted, before victims can be protected, and before communities can be notified. Twenty‑three other states have already strengthened their laws to allow preventive detention or restricted release for the most serious child‑sex offenses. West Virginia has not. Our children deserve the same protections that children in other states already receive.

I have drafted a Bill to amend West Virginia Code §62‑1C to add safeguards to protect those most vulnerable from those accused, while still protecting the due process. I would like to demonstrate the voice of the people when I present the Billl for sponsorship.

We, the undersigned, call on the West Virginia Legislature to amend WV Code §62‑1C to:

• Create a presumption of pretrial detention for individuals charged with sexual crimes against children under 12.

• Allow judges to deny bond when clear and convincing evidence shows the accused poses a danger to a minor or the community.

• Require a formal detention hearing before any release is considered in these cases.

• Ensure that victim safety and community safety are the highest priorities in pretrial decisions.

These changes do not undermine constitutional rights. They align West Virginia with national best practices and give judges the tools they need to protect children while ensuring due process. Every child in West Virginia deserves to grow up safe. Every family deserves to know that our laws put the protection of minors above the convenience of the accused. And every community deserves a justice system that recognizes the unique trauma, vulnerability, and lifelong impact associated with sexual crimes against children.

By signing this petition, you are urging lawmakers to take immediate action to strengthen West Virginia’s pretrial laws and close dangerous gaps that put children at risk. Our state can—and must—do better.

Protect our children. Strengthen our laws. Amend WV Code §62‑1C now.