Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I agree with my friend Bryan Willingham (“Virginia needs sentencing reform,” Aug. 24 Readers Write). Drug sentencing is definitely very strict; this is my first-ever drug charge and violation and I’m doing 10 out of 13 years they gave me. I understand the judges and commonwealth are just doing their jobs, but there are definitely other ways to help us.

If you get a drug charge in Gloucester, you are doomed. We have no rehab, no drug court; just jail and prison, and that’s not helping anyone. This is an addiction and disease that needs treatment. My son was five years old when I left. He is now 11 and will be 15 when I come home four years from now. That’s who hurts the most out of this.

All I’m saying is the system is definitely backwards. They sentence people convicted of rape, child molesters and other violent criminals to probation or a couple years, but we drug offenders get double digits. I know nothing will be done b...