SECTION 53.1-155.1. Participation in residential community program prior to final release  

The Department may give nonviolent prisoners who have not been convicted of a violent crime and who have been sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of at least three years the opportunity to participate in a residential community program, work release, or a community-based program approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security within six months of such prisoner's projected or mandatory release date. The Secretary shall prescribe guidelines to govern the residential community programs, work release, or community-based programs.

Any wages earned pursuant to this section by a prisoner may be paid to the director or administrator of the program after standard payroll deductions required by law. Distribution of such wages shall be made for the following purposes:

1. To pay an amount to defray the cost of his keep;

2. To pay travel and other such expenses made necessary by his work release, employment, or participation in a residential community program or a community-based program;

3. To provide support and maintenance for his dependents or to make payments to the local department of social services or the Commissioner of Social Services, as appropriate, on behalf of dependents who are receiving public assistance as defined in § 63.2-100 ; or

4. To pay any fines, restitution, or costs as ordered by the court.

Any balance at the end of his sentence shall be paid to the prisoner upon his release.

2003, c. 63.2-100 ; 2014, cc. 63.2-100 , 63.2-100 .