I am a mother of five, a college graduate, and a person who made one wrong choice that was truly an accident at the age of 20. In a moment of fear and confusion, I took a strike to avoid prison time, not fully understanding the long-lasting implications it would have on my future. Growing up, I was never in trouble until my young adult years when I found myself in a situation that made me feel angry and I made the wrong decision to damage some clothes, that clothes damage spread and lead to other property damage that I never intended to do. Today 16 yrs later, despite having turned my life around and having earned college certificates, this single mistake haunts me as it prevents me from securing my dream job and participating in simple joys like attending my daughter's field trips. I am a person that loves to help and will never want to hurt anyone in absolutely any way.

The three-strike law is designed to deter repeat offenders but fails to consider the unique circumstances of young adults under 21. According to data from The Sentencing Project, these laws disproportionately affect young adults who are still developing their decision-making skills (The Sentencing Project). Furthermore, research shows that brain development continues into our mid-twenties which can impact judgment (American Psychological Association).

We must reconsider how we treat youthful mistakes within our justice system. It's time for us to abolish the three-strike law for individuals under 21 so they aren't unduly punished for their entire lives because of decisions made during their formative years.

Please sign this petition if you believe in second chances and fair treatment within our justice system. Let's give young adults like myself an opportunity to correct their paths without being haunted by past mistakes forever.