Virginia Public Radio

A defendant who’s charged with committing a sex offense against a child may have his previous convictions used against him in court under legislation that’s being considered by the Virginia State Crime Commission.  The bill’s opponents say that acknowledging prior convictions or negative character traits during a trial has the potential to prejudice a jury against a defendant.  But as Virginia Public Radio’s Anne Marie Morgan reports, some lawmakers believe current state law does not strike the right balance to secure justice for victimized children.