Thank you for taking the time to review my petition.  My name is Theodore "Teddy" Haynes, and at the age of 16 I was charged  & convicted as an adult of robbery and murder. My two co-defendants and I committed a robbery that unfortunately led to the death of a man. We were young and didn't realize the consequences or the dangers of our actions. Initially I agreed to take a plea for a sentence of forty years, but when I realized that I had to testify against my co-defendants, I requested that my plea be withdrawn and go to trial.  My request to withdraw was denied, and I was charged as an adult and given 50 years to LIFE at the age of 16. 

Since the very beginning of my case, I had several attorneys that were assigned to me through the court.  The attorneys that were assigned would withdraw and the court would assign another; all at crucial times in my case making it very difficult for them to put on a good defense. I was given this time as a juvenile and it also was the first time ever being charged with a crime. I suffered from mental health issues and trauma as a child which was never brought up on my behalf in court. I was on mental health medication; I am from Brooklyn, but grew up in Schenectady.  I came from parents who were drug addicts, and a home where my father wasn't in my life. I had a rough start at life and as I got older it played on my mental well being, more to where I wasn't thinking about consequences for engaging in illegal activity.

I was convicted in 2000, and I don't have a chance to go to the parole board until the age of 66 (which isn't until 2044)! I am very remorseful with regard to the crime I committed and just would like a second chance at life. I do believe I should have been punished for my involvement in this crime, but I think 50 years is excessive. I am asking for everyone to sign this petition who believes that I should get another chance at life and be able to come home. 

I have worked on my behavior, changed the way I think and act.  I have written a letter of remorse that is sincere, honest and from the heart.  If I could turn back time, not just because I'm sitting in prison, but to give the family their loved one back, I surely would.  I regret the day I made a horrible decision to engage in illegal activities, and am deeply sorry for those I've caused harm to.  These last 24 years of incarceration have taught me a lot, some good, some bad, but mostly a strong and vivid reminder of where I don't want to be until I'm 66 years old! 

Please support me in gaining my 2nd Chance by signing and sharing my petition, to show people who I really am and have become.  I'm not a monster, I'm a human being who made poor choices at the age of 16, but who didn't?  Granted, maybe some of you didn't do what I did, but growing up in Brownsville in Brooklyn, wasn't easy by any means.  It's not an excuse but rather reality.  Thank you for taking the time to read my petition. 

TH