Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pre-Arrest, Pretrial, and Post-Conviction Issues in Three States

This series offers a snapshot of how key parts of the criminal justice system currently function in three featured states—Georgia, Michigan, and Virginia—with three posts per state covering the pre-arrest, pretrial, and post-conviction stages. Each post maps out the current laws, policies, and practices shaping outcomes for each state and examines how smarter policies can reduce system strain, improve public safety, ensure fairness, and facilitate efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Meaningful change starts with a clear-eyed understanding of the status quo. By identifying key pressure points in each state’s landscape, this series lays the groundwork for future policy conversations and practical system improvement efforts. From community alternatives to arrest to modernizing pretrial practices to expanding opportunities for second chances, we examine where modernization is both needed and possible.

Read the full nine-part series to see how targeted adjustments to existing policies can make justice work better for everyone.

Georgia

Georgia’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pre-Arrest Issues in the Peach State
Georgia’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pretrial Issues in the Peach State
Georgia’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Post-Conviction Issues in the Peach State

Michigan

Michigan’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pre-Arrest Issues in the Great Lakes State
Michigan’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pretrial Issues in the Great Lakes State
Michigan’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Post-Conviction Issues in the Great Lakes State

Virginia

Virginia’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pre-Arrest Issues in the Commonwealth
Virginia’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Pretrial Issues in the Commonwealth
Virginia’s Criminal Justice Crossroads: Post-Conviction Issues in the Commonwealth