In 2022, Terry Pettis filed a petition with Governor Gavin Newsom of California, seeking commutation of his Life Without Parole sentence. Terry’s application has been flagged and is currently under review by the Governor and his Parole and Clemency Team. If granted, the commutation would result in a reduced prison sentence, with the new term to be determined by the Governor.

**Terry is only asking for signatures in support of his commutation, not donations**

ACCOUNTABILITY, GROWTH, & REHABILITATION

Terry has fully accepted responsibility for the actions that led to his conviction in 2006. Over the course of his 20 years of incarceration, he has made remarkable strides in self-improvement and community engagement. He has actively participated in a variety of rehabilitative programs, including AA and NA groups, the Lifer’s group, anger management, and emotional intelligence courses. Terry is deeply committed to serving his community, organizing sports leagues and tournaments, facilitating self-help groups, and serving as a Peer Support Specialist and mentor to fellow prisoners.

Terry is committed to living a life of service to his community. He is passionate about empowering, uplifting, and supporting youth, and he remains faithful that he will one day have the opportunity for redemption—not only within the walls, but beyond them as well.

SENTENCE

In 2006, at the age of 21 Terry Pettis was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) plus 25 years in Fresno, California. The LWOP sentence was the result of a discretionary decision by the district attorney to add a special circumstance enhancement to Terry’s charges. In California, people who commit crimes while under 26 are generally required to have a meaningful opportunity for parole. Had the special circumstance enhancement not been added Terry would have been eligible for parole and for a Youth Offender Parole hearing. At such a hearing, the Board of Parole Hearings would have considered the "hallmark features of youth" that were present at the time of the crime.

What Are Hallmark Features of Youth?

The hallmark features of youth (California Code of Regulations Title 15, Section 2446) are characteristics that are considered when deciding whether to grant parole to certain people in prison. Those characteristics include: immaturity, underdeveloped sense of responsibility, impulsivity, vulnerability to negative influences, recklessness, and limited ability to assess risks and consequences. Research shows that people are more likely to exhibit these characteristics in their youth and early adulthood. The California Supreme Court has recognized that younger people are more susceptible to negative influences and outside pressures, but that maturity can lead to reflection and rehabilitation.

We need your support! 

1. Sign the petition in support of Terry’s commutation.
2. Spread the word! Raise awareness in your community sharing Terry's petition with family and friends and via your social media platforms (@iamterrypettis on all platforms), community groups and networks.
3. Terry has also respectfully requested that his family and friends write support letters and send them directly to the Office of Governor Newsom, urging him to consider his petition for commutation (see Senator Nancy Skinner's support letter below).

Click here to read Terry's petition for commutation: Terry Pettis Commutation Application

Click here to review Terry’s chronos (commendations, recognition for accomplishments and impactful work): Terry Pettis Chronos

Click here for support letter template and instructions (please email a copy of letter to Terry.L.Pettis@gmail.com): Terry Pettis Letter of Support Template

Click here to read Senator Nancy Skinner's support letter: Nancy Skinner Letter of Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alani Pettis, Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senator Nancy Skinner, California

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ace Pettis, Richmond, California

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minneapolis Community Members, Minneapolis, MN