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Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Rights & Responsibilities:

The Rights of Requesters and the Responsibilities of the
Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission
under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act

 

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located in § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording -- regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format -- that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business.  All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities.  In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

 

Your FOIA Rights

 

Making a Request for Records from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission

 

 

 

 

To request records from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission, you may direct your request to:

Meredith Farrar-Owens, Director

Mailing address:
Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23233

E-mail:  meredith.farrar-owens@vcsc.virginia.gov
Telephone:  804.371.7626
Fax:  804.786.3934

You may also contact her with questions you have concerning requesting records from the Commission.  In addition, the Freedom of Information Advisory Council is available to answer any questions you may have about FOIA.  The Council may be contacted by e-mail at foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov, or by phone at 804.225.3056 or [toll free] 1.866.448.4100.

 

The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission’s Responsibilities in Responding to Your Request

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of Records

The following is a general description of the types of records held by the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission:

If you are unsure whether the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission has the record(s) you seek, please contact:

Meredith Farrar-Owens, Director

Mailing address:
Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission
100 North Ninth Street
Richmond, VA 23233

E-mail:  meredith.farrar-owens@vcsc.virginia.gov
Telephone:  804.371.7626
Fax:  804.786.3934

Commonly used exemptions

The Code of Virginia allows any public body to withhold certain records from public disclosure.  The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission commonly withholds records subject to the following exemptions:

 

Policy regarding the use of exemptions

 

Download FOIA Rights and Responsibilities Statement