My husband was convicted at the age of 21, now 40, sentenced to 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for aggravated robbery not minimizing the crimes however no one was physically injured.He had never been convicted of a felony before, yet found himself facing a literally his life behind bars because his co-defendant chose to falsely cooperate with the state and received merely ten years probation. To add to the injustice, the judge overseeing his case, now retired, has been cited for racial prejudice in similar cases, adding another layer of unfair treatment in the judicial process.

This is not just our story—it’s a call to action for all Texans concerned about the fairness and justice of our legal system, especially regarding young offenders. Thousands may be unjustly sentenced without an opportunity for parole consideration due to factors such as age and lack of prior convictions.

We are urging the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to implement a policy that considers age as a significant factor in post-conviction relief for individuals sentenced to more than 40 years in prison, particularly those sentenced at 21 years old or younger. Specifically, we propose that if these individuals have shown good behavior and have served at least 25% of their sentence, they should be eligible for parole consideration.

This approach not only acknowledges the potential for rehabilitation, but it also offers a more compassionate perspective on justice—especially for young individuals who should be afforded the opportunity to contribute positively to society. With this policy, Texas can lead the way in reforming how long sentences for young adults are managed, ensuring fairer chances at parole and a more just legal system.

Join us in calling for this critical reevaluation. By signing this petition, we urge the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to reassess and grant parole eligibility for those young individuals who demonstrate a readiness to re-integrate into society.

Let's support change for a more equitable future by signing and sharing this petition today!