In 1998, at the age of 24, Christopher Corinthian was indicted and charged with armed robbery. In 1999, he was sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Christopher’s questionable conviction and severe sentencing is a result of current minimum mandatory statues.

Christopher was only 24 years old when this incident occurred, after the bewildering tragedy of his father’s sudden death. It has since been argued by psychologists that the brain does not reach full development until the age of 25, therefore limiting cognitive decision-making skills. Legislators have been in discussion over passing a law that will adjust the juvenile age range to 24 and under due to the previously mentioned psychological data. This further proves that Christopher’s brain had not reached full development at the time of the incident, which limited his ability to accurately and maturely make life decisions when faced with the harsh realities of his circumstances.

Despite, the harsh sentencing Mr. Corinthian was inappropriately subjected to, improving himself cognitively and emotionally has become his sole focus. Along with his self-improvement goals derived educational goals as well. He has achieved countless educational milestones, certifications and life skills with the most notable being obtaining his GED. While immersed in his studies, Mr. Corinthian discovered his astronomical love for writing. Becoming a rather skillful writer, writing manuscripts became Chris’s escape while also helping him remain productive. He is looking forward to publishing those manuscripts when given the opportunity to do so professionally as an upstanding and highly respected member of society. Achieving positive productivity in an environment that is exceedingly non-conducive to a positive mentality has become grueling, but Mr. Corinthian has never allowed that to deter his focus.

America is notably a country of second chances. Unquestionably Christopher should be offered another chance at life to enjoy the liberties of happiness and freedom that we all as citizen were unalienable granted upon birth. Among these freedoms, he deserves the opportunity to share life with his family. He has been separated from his now 85-year-old mother who is now at a vulnerable age where the love and support from her son is unquestionably vital. Especially considering the time they have already spent apart. He has served 21 years thus far of a natural life sentence. There should be a public outcry that Christopher has served enough time in prison and should be released.

Please sign this petition asking Broward County Conviction Review Unit to grant Christopher a release from prison for time served. He has more than paid his debt to society. Christopher has been imprisoned for 21 years more than half of his life. He was sentenced to natural life before his life even really got started.