Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 07/08/2026My congressman, John McGuire, is standing on the north side of 250 in Pantops, holding a massive Thank You sign. 240
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassBrad Haywood @bradleyrhaywood.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Although it’s easy to start a nonprofit, professionalizing & making it sustainable is another story—esp. when your focus is CJ reform, the “popularity” of which waxes & wanes among donors & legislators Rob took over as JFV ED when it was unclear if we could make that transition successfully 1/3 141
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Some personal news: after 3 1/2 years, I’m moving on from @justicefwdva.bsky.social. Doing criminal legal reform with these public defenders has been enormously rewarding. I’m grateful to @bradleyrhaywood.bsky.social and others for the chance. The org will continue its essential work. 1/3 2111
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 27/07/2026ICYMI HISTORIC: For the first time in the state’s history, Virginia now allows misdemeanor or low-level felony convictions to be sealed! 2.5 million people in VA have a criminal record. These records have devastating consequences well after convictions and time served. #VALeg 151
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 02/07/2026HISTORIC: For the first time in the state's history, Virginia will allow criminal records to be sealed beginning July 1, 2026. The newly enacted law allows a person with a misdemeanor or low-level felony to have their record sealed. Determine eligibility by visiting: justiceforwardvafoundation.org 086
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 18/06/2026In a concurring opinion today, Justice Gorsuch specifically mentions the governor's recent veto of a @justicefwdva.bsky.social / @salimforva.bsky.social bill to ban 4th Amendment plea waivers. Gorsuch suggests 4A waivers may be unconstitutional, an argument VA's public defenders have made for years. 15912
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Monday we addressed Governor @abigailspanberger.bsky.social veto of bills to protect individuals with autism, mental illness, dementia, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with other statewide advocates for this vulnerable group: justiceforwardva.com/blog/2026/6/... 174
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 01/06/2026Join us in celebrating our founder @bradleyrhaywood.bsky.social on the General Assembly’s commendation of his deep commitment to system-change advocacy, and his legacy of service. We salute you! You can read Virginia House Resolution 893 here: justiceforwardva.com/blog/2026/5/... #VALeg 151
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassDeFlock Redmond @deflock-redmond.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Victory in #Edmonds, WA! 🏆 "We are canceling the contract and will not be bringing #Flock cameras back to Edmonds anytime soon" - Mayor Mike Rosen The recent story about the FBI seeking warrantless, real-time access was also cited: ⚠️ arstechnica.com/tech-policy/... #deflock #surveillance #alprmyedmondsnews.comEdmonds cancels contract with Flock license plate reader system - My Edmonds NewsThe City of Edmonds has joined the list of South Snohomish County cities that have canceled their contract with the Flock automated license plate recognition system. Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen […] 1268
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassKail @vivotranquil0.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Just when you thought you'd seen it all 1052525620
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Civilian oversight of police in Virginia is deeply broken. If we can’t get this right in Charlottesville, what are we doing? The system is stacked to avoid accountability. We need transparency of cop credibility in court and elimination of qualified immunity. www.cvilletomorrow.org/charlottesvi...cvilletomorrow.orgCharlottesville's Police Civilian Oversight Board seeks to drop investigative powersThe board, which has not conducted an investigation since its 2017 founding, says the change would make oversight more achievable and sustainable under Virginia law. 715670
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 21/05/2026Never met a person who survived VA’s Red Onion or Wallens Ridge Supermax prisons that didn’t detail the abuse, racism, and grave human rights violations happening there. It’s not a secret and it’s been ongoing for decades. Shame. www.virginiascope.com/spanberger-v...virginiascope.comSpanberger vetoes bill that would have blocked transfers to Red Onion state prisonGov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed legislation Tuesday that would have barred the placement of out-of-state inmates at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County unless the General Assembly later reauthorized ... 0126
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassDave Infante @dinfontay.com · 16/04/2026Richmond CA McEachin is an outspoken Flock booster and has insisted (without evidence) that her office "cannot do our jobs as well as we can" w/r/t prosecuting drivers that kill pedestrians without the surveillance tech: richmond.com/news/local/g... 1132
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 07/05/2026Terrific piece by Zach of Rockingham County, Va., documenting how his town started surveilling him and his neighbors with zero public discussion or input. This is happening across the country, and people like Zach are pushing back because it's wrong. augustafreepress.com/news/surveil...augustafreepress.comThe Shenandoah Valley got wired without anyone askingA few weeks ago, I started asking questions about the Flock Safety license plate cameras that appeared in the Town of Elkton. 02510
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassTaniel @taniel.bsky.social · 14/04/2026lots of Spanberger headlines today. if you care about criminal justice issues — don't sleep on this one boltsmag.org/virginia-fou...boltsmag.orgVirginia Governor Vetoes a Ban on Plea Deals That Waive People's Constitutional Rights - BoltsAbigail Spanberger blocked a bill to bar prosecutors from pressuring Virginians to waive protections against unreasonable police searches as a condition of pleas. 522863
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassPeter Griesar @griesar.bsky.social · 14/04/2026“Opponents of the waivers have argued that their use has been racially discriminatory. In 2020, for example, 96 percent of people living under Fourth Amendment waivers in Richmond were people of color, records obtained by criminal justice advocates and shared with Bolts show.” 141
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassBrad Haywood @bradleyrhaywood.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Imagine believing Va Senate Dems aren’t moderate *enough*. There are already de facto veto votes in Senate Courts, held by legislators with law degrees, who’ve prosecuted and defended cases, and sat through committee debates to ensure the concerns of VACA & police were taken into account. 1/ 1305
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassBrad Haywood @bradleyrhaywood.bsky.social · 14/04/2026I don’t expect @abigailspanberger.com to agree with criminal justice reform advocates often, but I do expect better than Youngkin-grade veto explanations Nothing in the press release regarding the Governor’s veto of SB23 (banning 4th Amendment plea waivers) is true. 1/ 172
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 19/03/2026It’s National Public Defense Day! At Justice Forward Virginia we’ve acknowledged the occasion like the true public defenders we are—by being way too busy to even notice until now. Happy day to our friends and colleagues! #publicdefenders 041
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 14/03/2026BREAKING: Drug residue can’t be used, but possession of it is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. HB637 eliminates the unnecessary felony. And after almost a decade of work our bill is headed to the Governor with bipartisan support! Thanks @katrinacallsen.com and the many patrons before her! 042
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 13/03/2026BREAKING: Senator Jennifer Boysko’s (@jenniferboysko.com) SB335 to Protect People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) & Mental Health Disorders is on its way to the Gov’s desk with broad bipartisan support! Six years in the making! Thank you, Senator & our countless partners! 154
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 13/03/2026According to Flock and the Richmond Police Chief, we are “powerful entities” using “coordinated attacks” to take down their mass surveillance … with 1/10th of the budget RPD has spent on cameras alone and 1/60,000th the money of Flock. ROFL 🤣 www.richmonder.org/rpd-has-spen... 094
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 06/02/2026Ending a long week with bipartisan support for smarter drug policy in Virginia. HB637 creates a misdemeanor for possession of an unmeasurable quantity of a drug, rather than the current felony that carries 1–10 years in prison. Thank you, @katrinacallsen.com and @bradleyrhaywood.bsky.social! 081
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 04/02/2026BREAKING: The VA House passed FIVE of our legislative priorities—Deferred Dismissals, Preserve Access to Diversion, Fix Discovery, VLDS, & Aligning Robbery with the Code! The bills are aimed to address outdated laws, expand research opportunities, or make technical fixes. #VALeg 132
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 04/02/2026ON THE DOCKET: Feb 4, 2026 House Crts of Justice Crim Sub—15 min after adjournment of committee—Eliminate the Prejudicial Use of Prior Convictions at Trial, JIRC Reform, Eliminate Felony Charge for Possession of Drug Residue, admin action on Repealing Man Mins house.vga.virginia.gov/subcommittee... 111
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 23/01/2026ON THE DOCKET: Friday, Jan 23, 2026 House Courts of Justice will meet sometime after adjournment of the House. Marijuana Resentencing, Aligning Class 5 & 6 Robbery Offenses with the Code, CAFA, Fix Discovery, local funding for Public Defenders, and more. house.vga.virginia.gov/subcommittee... 022
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 17/01/2026Former Public Defender and President-Elect of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers—Chris Leibig—has announced his run for Delegate for HD5. We love to see it! Voting for the Firehouse Primary in Alexandria takes place THIS Tuesday, Jan. 20! www.alxnow.com/2026/01/17/d...alxnow.comDefense attorney Chris Leibig is third candidate to enter primary for Bennett-Parker’s seat | ALXnowChris Leibig, a longtime criminal defense attorney and former public defender from Del Ray, is running for delegate in Tuesday's Democratic firehouse primary. Leibig served in the Alexandria Public De... 022
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassDave Infante @dinfontay.com · 10/01/2026I'm at Richmond Public Library's main branch, where a capacity crowd organized by @richmonddsa.bsky.social has assembled to hear @rpogge.bsky.social of @justicefwdva.bsky.social and other community members speak about the dangers of Flock Safety and other ALPRs. 3458
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassThe Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 08/01/2026The Department of Homeland Security released a Maryland woman who was held for 25 days despite evidence that her lawyers say proves she was born in the United States and is a citizen.wapo.stAfter 25 days, ICE releases Maryland woman who says she is a U.S. citizenDulce Consuelo Diaz Morales was detained in December despite her legal team’s claims that she was born in the United States. 67997468
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 05/01/2026Over the last 4 yrs, the GA passed some remarkable—bipartisan—CJR aimed to address basic unfairness, yet the Gov aligned himself with the harshest opponents of reform, vetoing most. Well, we have a new 4 yrs ahead of us! Our 2026 Legislative Priorities: justiceforwardva.com/blog/2025/12... 161
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassDeFlock Redmond @deflock-redmond.bsky.social · 02/01/2026For those in #Virginia, @rpogge.bsky.social of @justicefwdva.bsky.social will be presenting a "Flock Mass Surveillance Teach-In" community event hosted by @richmonddsa.bsky.social at #Richmond Public Library on Sat Jan 10. 🗓️ Virtual attendance also available. 🧑💻 #deflock #surveillance #alpr #flockactionnetwork.orgFlock Mass Surveillance Teach-InJoin us for a dynamic political education and organizing kickoff to launch a citywide campaign against Flock surveillance. We’ll break down what automated license plate readers are, why they threaten ... 1117
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassAndy Orban @andyorban.bsky.social · 20/12/2025This shit better be removed soon. Happy to lend City Hall a hand if needed. 2221
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 19/12/2025After a local activist collected more than 400 signatures on a petition to Staunton city council asking to cancel its contract with Flock, Flock CEO Garrett Langley sent an unhinged, unsolicited email to council. The city then canceled the contract. augustafreepress.com/news/staunto...augustafreepress.comStaunton cancels Flock contract, doesn't agree with CEO's ideologyStaunton has announced that it will end its contract with Flock Safety and remove all automated license plate readers installed in the city. 0143
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 19/12/2025It was only a matter of time before a Virginia law enforcement officer abused the ALPR network. This one used it to track the movements of a fellow officer who was dating his ex-girlfriend. ALPRs make Virginians less safe. www.wric.com/news/local-n...wric.comCentral Virginia officer accused of using police technology to snoop on ex’s new boyfriendThe credibility of a Central Virginia police officer is in question after he was accused of illegally using law enforcement technology to gain information about another officer, who was dating his … 0135
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 17/12/2025For the first time in Virginia history, people will be able to seal criminal convictions starting July 1, 2026. @vastatepolice.bsky.social released estimates of how many charges will be eligible for automatic sealing, and how many people can petition for relief. 1/5 vscc.virginia.gov/2025/Dec2VSC...vscc.virginia.gov 143
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 16/12/2025BIG & BREAKING: The City of Charlottesville, Virginia has announced they’ve made the decision to cease the use of Flock ALPR cameras and the mass surveillance technology will be removed!!! Justice forward! cvillerightnow.com/news/208802-...cvillerightnow.comCity ends Flock pilot program over federal data base concerns - Cville Right NowThe city had paused using the video license plate reading system in October. Now, it announced it won't be resuming using it. 1274
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 04/12/2025ACTION ALERT: Unbelievably, Virginia lawmakers are considering bringing forth legislation to expand mass surveillance in 2026. Take an easy one click call to action to ensure no bill is presented to expand automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). Here: actionnetwork.org/letters/oppo... 032
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 30/11/2025Criminal justice reform (CJR) decriminalizes race, poverty, mental health, substance use, & disabilities. We’re matching $100 donations to celebrate #GivingTuesday! Support CJR and help prevent harm to people and communities. Please contribute here: donorbox.org/justiceforwa... @rpogge.bsky.social 032
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 28/11/2025Yes, a grassroots movement can defeat mass surveillance. @justicefwdva.bsky.social is proud to be part of that movement. truthout.org/articles/a-v...truthout.orgA Vast Camera System Now Feeds Information to Police on Drivers Across the USFlock cameras have been called invasive, insecure, and unconstitutional. Can a grassroots movement beat them back? 0122
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassTaniel @taniel.bsky.social · 13/11/2025Confirmed: Katie Wilson will be mayor of Seattle, ousting the incumbent from his left. And Erika Evans will be the new city attorney, ousting the GOP city attorney after promising to take the office in a more progressive direction. What do progressives' win mean for law enforcement? NEW IN BOLTS:boltsmag.orgProgressives Win in Seattle, Changing Directions on Public Safety - BoltsVoters ousted a mayor who oversaw a surge in encampment sweeps, and a Republican prosecutor who pursued punitive policies toward homeless people and drug users. 101253256
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 13/11/2025Got lunch plans Friday? Join the Power Lunch Podcast to chat with our ED @rpogge.bsky.social, Michael Soyfer of IJ, & special guest @equalityalec.bsky.social! Friday’s episode focuses on the rise of mass surveillance and its growing threat to justice—12PM. Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... 074
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 09/11/2025The people were fired up for criminal legal reforms at Justice Reform Happy Hour! Many thanks to @parisaforjustice.bsky.social @hopeforvirginia.bsky.social @salimvasenate.bsky.social for joining us! And to advocates and indigent defenders committed to restoring justice to our communities and courts! 041
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 09/11/2025Imagine getting a 67% funding hike and begging for more “The budget for Virginia State Police has grown significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency received $374 million in general funds. This year, it has budgeted around $557 million.” richmond.com/news/state-r...richmond.comState police superintendent predicts 'lean year' for Virginia’s largest law enforcement agencySoaring overtime and rising costs will make this year a lean one for Virginia State Police, according to an email sent by the agency’s chief executive. 071
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassDave Jamieson @jamieson.bsky.social · 04/11/2025Border Patrol agent Lairmore testifies that he was not injured by the sandwich, but he felt the impact through his ballistic vest. The sandwich came apart and "kind of exploded" on his chest upon impact, he says. "I could smell the onions and mustard." 1082105412117
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassBenn Jordan @bennjordan.bsky.social · 03/11/2025Senator Wyden and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi have formally requested that the FTC open an investigation into Flock Safety for unnecessarily exposing billions of instances of civilian's vehicle location data to hackers and foreign adversaires. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26... 617139
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 02/11/2025VIRGINIA DEFENSE BAR: Want to tell us about the unjust criminal laws and procedures that harm the people you represent? Join our Indigent Defender Statewide Call on Tuesday, Nov. 4th at 11:00AM to workshop criminal legal reforms together. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... 142
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 28/10/2025DEFENDERS: Want to reform the unjust criminal laws and procedures that harm the people you represent? Join the VA Defender Statewide Call Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 11AM to workshop criminal legal reforms. Public defenders & other indigent defenders register here: bit.ly/VaDefenderCall 042
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 25/10/2025“The fact that naloxone is widely available in Virginia and people know how to use it to stop overdoses. The fact that we have fentanyl testing strips. Those types of things are what is actually leading to the decline of fentanyl deaths," @rpogge.bsky.social says. www.wvtf.org/news/2025-10...wvtf.orgFentanyl, overdoses and this year's elections in VirginiaOne of the issues that candidates are talking about on the campaign trail is overdose deaths from fentanyl. 042
Reposted by Rob PoggenklassJustice Forward VA @justicefwdva.bsky.social · 23/10/2025In two weeks—at about this time—we’ll be deep into a free taco bar, toasting margaritas (hopefully with you) discussing our 2026 CJR priorities! Join us along with Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for Justice Reform Happy Hour—Wednesday, November 5th at 6PM. See you there! 061
Rob Poggenklass @rpogge.bsky.social · 16/10/2025We oppose mass surveillance because so long as the data exists, people in power will use it to keep that power. They will lie about how they’re using it. And people will suffer. truthout.org/articles/by-...truthout.orgBy Enabling Police Surveillance, Elected Officials Fuel Trump’s AgendaIllinois officials have quietly constructed a statewide surveillance apparatus that fuels ICE’s deportation machine. 062