Penalties to increase for fentanyl overdose deaths in VA

Beginning July 1, fentanyl dealers in Virginia could face even more time in prison. Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed bills to hold dealers accountable if the drugs they sell are involved in an overdose death. The new law would allow prosecutors to charge fentanyl dealers with involuntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter carries a sentence of 1-10 year sentence and that would be added to the 5-40 year sentence dealers can already receive for the sale of fentanyl. A statement for the Governor’s office said that enhancing penalties for drug dealers is a key part of a comprehensive approach to reducing fentanyl deaths and ending the flow of fentanyl into Virginia communities.