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Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, in partnership with local elected officials and law enforcement, has declared a Ceasefire in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ceasefire Virginia is a proven approach to address violent criminal activity among serious and repeat offenders. This initiative aims at reducing violent crime by maintaining strategic and effective partnerships through the Commonwealth by investing in gang prevention, and supporting community policing in high-crime neighborhoods to get the most violent and repeat offenders off our streets. Ceasefire Virginia has been implemented with a focus on the following cities in an attempt to reduce violent crime throughout Virginia:
To achieve our objectives, Ceasefire Virginia is focusing on preventing and prosecuting violent crime in high-crime cities. This program encompasses the prosecution of felony cases and the hiring of group violence coordinators from the community who collaborate closely with law enforcement. Ceasefire Virginia prosecutors leverage bipartisan partnerships with state and federal partners to target repeat offenders committing felony firearm crimes by evaluating prosecutions on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriateness of pursuing prosecutions in federal or state court, depending on the crime and possible penalties for each specific offense.
There are nine categories of “prohibited persons” who cannot possess a firearm:
Using, Carrying, and Possessing Firearms in Crimes of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crimes – 18 U.S.C. 924(c)
DETAILS:
The defendant committed a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime that may be prosecuted in a court of the United States; the defendant used, carried a firearm during the crime of violence or drug trafficking crime or possessed the firearm in furtherance of the offense; the carrying or use of the firearm facilitated or advanced the offense in some way; special verdict if brandished or discharged.
SENTENCE:
Use of a firearm during and in relation to, or in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense: Mandatory consecutive sentence of 5 years
Brandishing of firearm during COV or DTO: Mandatory consecutive sentence of 7 years
Discharging firearm during COV or DTO: Mandatory consecutive sentence of 10 years
Is a machine gun (includes auto sears, Glock switches, and lightning link devices) or a destructive device, or equipped with a silencer: Mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years
Is a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or a semiautomatic assault weapon: Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years
Offenders with a prior 924(c) conviction: Consecutive sentence of 25 years
A subsequent conviction involving a machine gun, destructive device and/or silencer: Mandatory LIFE sentence
Sentencing Enhancement – Penalty for Armed Career Criminals
DETAILS:
A defendant qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal if they have been convicted of three separate violent felonies (murder, malicious wounding, rape, burglary [state or federal]) or serious drug offenses (manufacturing, trafficking, possessing with the intent to distribute).
SENTENCE:
If defendant qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal, penalty is 15 years mandatory minimum imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 924(e))
In addition, a defendant may face an additional sentencing enhancement if they qualify as a career offender as the result of two or more prior convictions for a crime of violence or felony controlled substance offense.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is facing a problem with violent crime that has far-reaching impacts on our communities. Serious and repeat offenders continue to commit violent crimes across Virginia, resulting in a sense of fear and insecurity among our residents. This situation calls for immediate action from leaders and stakeholders across the state to solve this problem. Through Ceasefire Virginia, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has taken action to address the issue by promoting greater collaboration to fight against violent crime.
ONLY THE LAW BREAKING — NOT THE LAW ABIDING — SHOULD BE LOOKING OVER THEIR SHOULDER IN FEAR. CEASEFIRE VIRGINIA WILL WORK TO KEEP VIOLENT, REPEAT OFFENDERS BEHIND BARS, PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES AND KEEPING OUR FAMILIES SAFE.
In response to the urgent need for reducing gun violence and addressing the pressing issue of violent crime in Virginia, the Ceasefire Virginia initiative has been developed. Spearheaded by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, this initiative brings together a unified effort from government officials, law enforcement, and community leaders to reduce violent crime and protect our communities. The initiative focuses on reducing the illegal use of guns to commit crimes through a comprehensive approach that combines prosecution and community intervention, with a specific emphasis on targeting serious repeat offenders in Virginia’s highest crime areas.
Ceasefire Virginia employs a strategic approach, targeting the reoffending violent offenders in our community who are responsible for the majority of our violent crimes. Valuable intelligence is received from various sources, including the public, law enforcement agencies, criminologists, and expert analysts.
Ceasefire Virginia prosecutors leverage bipartisan partnerships with state and federal partners to target repeat offenders committing felony firearm crimes by evaluating prosecutions on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriateness of pursuing prosecutions in federal or state court, depending on the crime and possible penalties for each specific offense.
Since its inception, Project Ceasefire has already opened over 100 criminal cases, with dedicated efforts in Petersburg and Richmond accounting for 29 of these cases.
Ceasefire employs unique strategies and partnerships across the Commonwealth with local, state, and federal agencies to leverage additional prosecution resources to significantly lower the incidence of violent crime and promote the safety of those throughout the Commonwealth.
In 2022, Ceasefire was launched as a multi-jurisdictional approach to address violent criminal activity among serious and repeat offenders in partnership with Virginia’s attorney general’s office, elected officials, and law enforcement.
The purpose of the initiative is to reduce violent crime through partnerships and investments into gang prevention and community policing. Ceasefire has been implemented in 13 cities statewide, including Petersburg and Roanoke.
In 2022, Ceasefire was launched as a multi-jurisdictional approach to address violent criminal activity among serious and repeat offenders in partnership with Virginia’s attorney general’s office, elected officials, and law enforcement.
The purpose of the initiative is to reduce violent crime through partnerships and investments into gang prevention and community policing. Ceasefire has been implemented in 13 cities statewide, including Petersburg and Roanoke.
Over the coming months, Ceasefire Virginia will be providing numerous tools available in your community to help make Virginia safer for everyone, as well as preventative programs to support at-risk youth.
In the meantime, please check out our Virginia Rules website. Virginia Rules is an educational program especially designed to help instructors, parents, and students understand the laws that apply to Virginia teens in their everyday lives.
If you’ve checked out the local news outlets over the past few years, you already know that violent crime is on the rise in Virginia. That’s why Ceasefire Virginia is fighting back to make the Commonwealth a safer place to live.
“In 2022, Ceasefire was launched as a multi-jurisdictional approach to address violent criminal activity among serious and repeat offenders in partnership with Virginia’s attorney general’s office, elected officials, and law enforcement.
The purpose of the initiative is to reduce violent crime through partnerships and investments into gang prevention and community policing. Ceasefire has been implemented in 13 cities statewide, including Petersburg and Roanoke.”
Murder, violent crime down in Virginia; Miyares credits Ceasefire Virginia
October 20, 2024
Henrico Citizen
Youngkin and Miyares praise Operation Ceasefire after decrease in violent crime
October 18, 2024
WAVY
On the two year anniversary of Ceasefire Virginia, violent crime in the Commonwealth is down
October 17, 2024
13 News Now
In Roanoke, Youngkin, Miyares and others say efforts are reducing violent crime
October 17, 2024
Roanoke Times
Attorney General Miyares releases short film on impact of gun violence
September 25, 2024
WAVY
Two people injured after shooting in Richmond’s Northside
July 31, 2024
WRIC
Man fighting for his life after being shot in the abdomen in Hopewell
July 31, 2024
WRIC
1 shot in the arm, 1 hit on head during Danville attempted robbery: Police
July 30, 2024
WSET
13-year-old girl shot in Norfolk on W. 26th Street: Police
July 26, 2024
WTKR
Three shot, including a security officer, at Danville party
July 20, 2024
WSET
Murdered Norfolk man remembered as a former Marine willing to help anyone
July 18, 2024
WAVY
Two dead after 9 shootings in Richmond in under a week
July 18, 2024
WRIC
3 Virginia cities in top 10 for highest rates of gun thefts from vehicles, report finds
May 16, 2024
The Virginian-Pilot
New Ceasefire Prosecutor takes aim at violent crime in Suffolk
May 16, 2024
The Suffolk News-Herald
Attorney General Miyares shares progress report on Operation Ceasefire
May 1, 2024
WSET
Attorney General Miyares, local leaders share update on ‘Operation Ceasefire’
May 1, 2024
WFXR TV
Attorney General’s Operation Ceasefire credited for decrease in violent crime across Virginia
April 30, 2024
WSLS
Attorney General Miyares highlights success of Operation Ceasefire
April 30, 2024
WDBJ
AG Miyares provides an update on Operation Ceasefire’s impact on crime in our region
April 30, 2024
WSLS
WATCH: AG Miyares provides an update on Operation Ceasefire’s impact on crime in our region
April 30, 2024
WSLS
28-year-old suspect wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service in connection to homicide near Whitcomb Court
April 24, 2024
WRIC
Va. Attorney General Miyares listens to grieving families seeking justice for gun deaths
April 23, 2024
WTKR
Youth violence prevention program funding hangs in the balance as legislature reworks state budget
April 19, 2024
Virginia Mercury
WATCH: Richmond leaders comment after four juveniles killed in shootings so far this month
April 15, 2024
WRIC
Virginia Attorney General highlights success of Operation Ceasefire
March 21, 2024
WAKG
Attorney General Miyares releases ‘Operation Ceasefire’ report, murders down 17% in Virginia
March 21, 2024
WFXR
Attorney General Miyares breaks down crime reduction in Operation Ceasefire cities
March 20, 2024
WSET
Crime appears down in many Operation Ceasefire communities
March 20, 2024
The Center Square
Operation Ceasefire: Progress made in effort to reduce violence
March 20, 2024
13NewsNow
AG discusses crime reduction rates in Ceasefire Cities
March 20, 2024
WAVY
Statewide effort to reduce violent crime shows mixed success in 5 Hampton Roads cities
March 20, 2024
The Virginian-Pilot
Repeat Offender Sentenced for Federal Firearms Offense
March 20, 2024
Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer
Attorney General Miyares discusses crime reduction rates in Ceasefire Cities
March 20, 2024
WAVY
Virginia leaders report statewide effort to reduce violent crime is working
March 20, 2024
WTKR
Miyares, Scott tout violence reduction efforts under ‘Operation Ceasefire’
March 20, 2024
13NewsNow
Operation Ceasefire Secures Guilty Plea in Hampton Armed Bank Robbery
February 13, 2024
Legal Newsline
Guilty plea in armed bank robbery case
February 7, 2024
CBS19
Virginia man pleads guilty to robbery at knifepoint in Hampton, faces up to 25 years in prison
February 7, 2024
Augusta Free Press
February 7, 2024 – Operation Ceasefire Secures Guilty Plea in Hampton Armed Bank Robbery
February 7, 2024
EIN
Operation Ceasefire Secures Guilty Plea in Hampton Armed Bank Robbery
February 7, 2024
Legal Newsline
Operation Ceasefire Secures Prison Time for Richmond Gun Crime
January 29, 2024
Legal Newsline
Operation Ceasefire Secures Prison Time for Richmond Gun Crimes
January 24, 2024
Legal Newsline
Virginia Operation Ceasefire secures sentencing for Richmond man with handmade gun
January 24, 2024
Augusta Free Press
Attorney General Miyares Launches New Television Ad For Operation Ceasefire
January 23, 2024
River Country News
“Back in the Commonwealth now, a new ad by Attorney General Jason Miyares aims to stop gun violence in Virginia…”
January 22, 2024
WHSV (ABC) – Harrisonburg, VA – Daybreak News
“A new ad by Attorney General Jason Miyares aiming to stop gun violence in will play around the Commonwealth…”
January 21, 2024
WDBJ (CBS) – Roanoke, VA – News Sunday Morning
New ad aims to stop Virginia gun violence
January 20, 2024
NBC29
“Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is releasing a new TV ad as part of Operation Ceasefire…”
January 19, 2024
WTTG (FOX) – Washington, DC – Fox 5 News @ 5
Attorney General Miyares Launches New Television Ad for Operation Ceasefire
January 19, 2024
EIN
Attorney General Miyares Launches New Television Ad for Operation Ceasefire
January 19, 2024
Legal Newsline
“Game Over.” Ad campaign by Attorney General Miyares aims to curb gun violence in Virginia | Video Post
January 19, 2024
WAVY
Miyares launches new ad to educate Virginians on illegal gun possession
January 19, 2024
Augusta Free Press
Miyares launches ‘Game Over’ ad campaign aimed at gun violence prevention
January 19, 2024
Henrico Citizen
Attorney General’s Operation Ceasefire Secures 12 Year Sentence for Cocaine Trafficking by Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization
January 17, 2024
EIN
Attorney General’s Operation Ceasefire Secures 12 Year Sentence for Cocaine Trafficking by Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization
January 17, 2024
Legal Newsline
Operation Ceasefire Secures 50 Month Sentence for Portsmouth Man Over Drug and Firearm Offenses
January 14, 2024
Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer
Violent offender off the streets in Portsmouth with help from Operation Ceasefire
January 13, 2024
WAVY
Richmond, VA – 12 News Today
January 12, 2024
WWBT (NBC)
Miyares backs bill that would limit parole for inmates over age 60
January 12, 2024
Richmond-Times Dispatch
Portsmouth man sentenced to 50 months for narcotic, firearm possession
January 11, 2024
WTKR
Operation Ceasefire: Portsmouth man sentenced to 50 months on firearms, narcotics charges
January 11, 2024
Augusta Free Press
Judge approves dropping all charges against former Prince William registrar, canceling trial
January 11, 2024
Inside NOVA
Operation Ceasefire secures 50 month sentence for Portsmouth man over drug and firearm offenses
January 11, 2024
Legal Newsline
Operation Ceasefire secures 50 month sentence for Portsmouth man over drug and firearm offenses
January 11, 2024
EIN
Attorney General releases teaser video for Operation Ceasefire program
December 7, 2023
WDBJ
Attorney General Jason Miyares releases Ceasefire Virginia teaser video
December 7, 2023
WJLA
Virginia Beach man sentenced after multiple armed carjackings, two high-speed police chases
October 23, 2023
WRIC
Virginia Attorney General discusses ‘Operation Ceasefire,’ resources for localities plagued by gun violence
August 2, 2023
WSLS-TV
Virginia AG: Operation Ceasefire already having an impact
July 28, 2023
Bearing Arms
Chesapeake PD update city officials on efforts to cut down on crime under state initiative
July 25, 2023
WVEC-TV
AG Miyares says ‘Operation Ceasefire’ plans to roll out anti-gun messaging to kid’s phones
July 7, 2023
WTVR-TV
15 ‘Ceasefire’ cases in Virginia courts originated in Petersburg: State attorney general
July 7, 2023
The Progress-Index
Virginia Ceasefire opens nearly 100 cases with a third in Richmond, Petersburg
July 7, 2023
WRIC-TV
Attorney General visits Lynchburg, discusses various hot button topics
June 29, 2023
The News & Advance
Police Say Violent Crime on the Rise in Virginia, Most Crimes Committed on Saturday Nights
June 13, 2023
The Epoch Times
Danville shooting latest of SWVA violent crime incidents
June 13, 2023
WSLS-TV
How Virginia is spending new state funding to prevent gun violence
June 5, 2023
Virginia Mercury
Virginia Att. Gen. Miyares addresses law enforcement shortages in Roanoke, Lynchburg
May 15, 2023
WSLS-TV
‘Community policing:’ Danville Chief highlights recent success in crime prevention
April 27, 2023
WSET-TV
‘Operation Ceasefire’ secures $300k grant for gang prevention in Lynchburg
April 26, 2023
WFXR-TV
State Attorney General Miyares speaks In Lynchburg on Operation Ceasefire
April 25, 2023
The Roanoke Times
Attorney General Jason Miyares discusses addressing mental health to help curb gun violence, other public safety issues
March 14, 2023
The Virginian-Pilot
Amid divide on how to curb gun violence, a bill heads to Youngkin
March 10, 2023
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Youngkin announces $20 million grant to combat violent crime in Virginia
December 12, 2022
WESR-FM
Lawmakers tout group violence intervention to stem rise in major crimes in Hopewell area
December 9, 2022
Richmond Times-Dispatch
State leaders working towards providing more protection for witnesses who take the stand
November 2, 2022
WTKR-TV
Richmond nonprofit receives grants to implement Operation Ceasefire
October 27, 2022
VPM News
Attorney General Jason Miyares plans to curb violent crime in Virginia
October 25, 2022
WDBJ-TV
AG Miyares to bring Operation Ceasefire to 16 partner cities
October 21, 2022
Virginia Public Radio
Youngkin announces ‘Operation Bold Blue Line’ initiative
October 18, 2022
Bristol Herald Courier
More than $120M for new crime prevention campaigns announced by Gov. Youngkin, AG Miyares
October 18, 2022
WRIC-TV
Virginia’s Governor announces plan to reduce homicides, shootings and violent crime
October 17, 2022
WWBT-TV
How Governor Youngkin’s new plan hopes to reduce violent crime across Virginia
October 17, 2022
WTVR-TV
Attorney General Miyares Announces Ceasefire Prosecutors to Target Violent Crime
October 17, 2022
Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of the Attorney General
Curbing crime in Virginia: Att. Gen. Miyares announces Operation Ceasefire
October 17, 2022
WSLS
Youngkin announces law enforcement funding proposals in Norfolk
October 17, 2022
WFXR-TV
Roanoke Among 12 VA Cities To Get “Operation Ceasefire” Help To Stop Violent Crime
October 17, 2022
The Roanoke Star
Richmond Politicos Getting Serious About Crime
June 9, 2022
Bacon’s Rebellion
Virginia Attorney General works to cut crime with ‘Project Ceasefire’
March 22, 2022
WSET-TV
Millions to cut gun violence hinges on Republicans and Democrats making a deal
February 17, 2022
Virginia Mercury
Virginia Attorney General announces legislative priorities, goals for 2022 General Assembly session
January 25, 2022
MSN.com
Making Virginia a safer place to live is a responsibility we all share. You can help us reduce violent crime in your community by reporting any criminal activity to local law enforcement agencies.
Making Virginia a safer place to live is a responsibility we all share. You can help us reduce violent crime in your community by reporting any criminal activity to local law enforcement agencies. By raising awareness of suspicious activities in our neighborhoods, we can prevent criminal behavior and keep our streets safe. That’s why we’ve created this resource page with crime prevention tip line resources for cities across Virginia. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe!
PHONE
888-562-5887
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
434-793-0000
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
434-634-1111
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
TEXT
Text keyword “EMPORIAPD” to 847411 and add a space and then type your tip information and hit send.
PHONE
888-LOCK-U-UP
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
804-541-2202
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
888-798-5900
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
276-632-7463
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
888-LOCK-U-UP
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
804-861-1212
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
888-LOCK-U-UP
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
804-780-1000
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
PHONE
540-344-8500
ONLINE
Submit a Tip
TEXT
Anonymously submit a text message to the number 274637 (CRIMES). Please start your message with “RoanokePD” to ensure that it is properly sent.
Join Us for the
November 12-13, 2024
Be a part of a transformative event supporting the Ceasefire Virginia initiative. Criminal Justice professionals from across the Commonwealth will gather for specialized training, networking opportunities, and impactful presentations. You won’t want to miss this time, as industry and social leaders address the issues facing law enforcement and Virginians alike. Topics will include:
This conference is a unique opportunity to connect with experts and representatives from across the state, and to enhance your knowledge and skills in key areas affecting public safety.
For more details and registration, visit: 2024 Ceasefire Conference.