This event addressed the intersection of two of the most powerful (and problematic) systems in our community: transportation and criminal justice. When someone is harmed by traffic violence, how should the legal system respond? One approach is primarily punitive/carceral, while another approach downplays the severity of the harm caused. A restorative justice model attempts to avoid the pitfalls of these two approaches and has recently become a criminal diversion option in Charlottesville and Albemarle. Erin Campbell, Co-Director of Central VA Community Justice and Shannon Neal, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Albemarle County discussed this model. We also heard powerful stories from the survivor & the driver of a local hit and run case who chose the restorative justice option.
