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Effective legislation in Virginia: Dealers of fentanyl now liable for involuntary manslaughter charges

Fentanyl dealers in Virginia received a strong blow this July as a new law aimed at controlling them took force, bringing relief and joy to Faythe Silveira and Debra Frisk following a sad turn of events.

Fentanyl dealers in Virginia currently face involuntary manslaughter charges, as a new law has been...
Fentanyl dealers in Virginia currently face involuntary manslaughter charges, as a new law has been implemented.

Effective legislation in Virginia: Dealers of fentanyl now liable for involuntary manslaughter charges

In a significant move to combat the opioid crisis, Virginia has enacted new legislation that criminalizes fentanyl dealers for involuntary manslaughter. The new law, encompassing HB 2657 and SB 746, aims to hold dealers accountable for overdose deaths caused by fentanyl-laced drugs.

The new law creates a new involuntary manslaughter offense for fentanyl dealers whose actions lead to someone's death from an overdose. To be charged, the dealer must knowingly handle fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs. The penalties for this new charge significantly raise the stakes for fentanyl dealers compared to previous distribution charges.

The legal impact of this legislation empowers law enforcement and prosecutors to seek more serious charges and enhance penalties against fentanyl dealers. According to the Virginia Department of Health, fentanyl-related deaths have decreased by 44% year-over-year, reflecting the effectiveness of Virginia's multi-faceted strategy against fentanyl.

Families affected by fentanyl overdoses have strongly supported the law, aiming to send a firm message that dealers are responsible for the deaths they cause. Advocates emphasize the need for continued education and resources for overdose prevention and recovery, including Narcan distribution.

Debra Frisk and Faythe Silveira, who have spent the past year advocating for tougher fentanyl laws in Virginia, have personally been affected by the crisis. Frisk's son, Keen, was killed by fentanyl on February 13, 2022, while Silveira's niece, Paula, was killed by a fentanyl-laced pill on February 4, 2021. Both Frisk and Silveira testified at hearings on the bills.

Silveira emphasized the importance of education about fentanyl and the availability of Narcan to save lives. She called for the community, including schools and churches, to get involved in the fight against fentanyl. Frisk expressed a desire for justice for herself, her family, and all others affected by fentanyl. She stated that her son was the only son in the family.

This law is part of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s comprehensive approach to curb drug overdoses and drug-related crimes in Virginia, including other measures targeting substances like nitrous oxide and tobacco products among youth. The law reflects a significant "zero-tolerance" stance on fentanyl sales and overdose deaths, marking Virginia as a leader in innovative legal responses to the opioid crisis.

1) This new law in Virginia, part of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s comprehensive approach, aims to hold fentanyl dealers responsible for overdose deaths by creating a new involuntary manslaughter offense for those knowingly handling fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs.

2) Advocates for mental health, health-and-wellness, and general news have emphasized the need for continued education and resources for overdose prevention and recovery, including Narcan distribution, as a complementary approach to this new legislation.

3) Policymakers and legislators across the country are closely watching Virginia's innovative strategy against fentanyl, with hopes that this zero-tolerance stance on fentanyl sales and overdose deaths may serve as a model for policy-and-legislation concerning the opioid crisis in other states.

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