Help Me Free My Father, Pastor James Graham

I am reaching out to ask for your support in the fight to free my father, Pastor James Graham. In 2003, my father was sentenced to 46 years in prison for two counts of Strong Armed Robbery, a Class B felony. While I understand that actions have consequences, this sentence is excessively harsh compared to many others who have committed far worse crimes.

My father is not a bad person he is a father of 9 children and a grandfather to 20 grandchildren. Like many others in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he struggled in an environment that offers little opportunity and guidance for Black men. It is no secret that Wisconsin has the highest rate of incarcerated Black men in the nation, with 13% of working-age Black men in state prisons or jails. This systemic issue has broken families, stolen fathers, and hurt our communities deeply.

During his 18 years in the prison system, my father has transformed his life. He is now a pastor, preacher, and teacher. He has earned doctoral degrees in ministry and arts and works tirelessly to counsel and guide his fellow inmates. He is a model of rehabilitation and someone who has taken full responsibility for his actions and emerged stronger, wiser, and ready to give back to his family and community.

Despite numerous petitions and appeals, the court has repeatedly denied his requests, often without explanation. My father should have been convicted of a lesser charge under sentencing guidelines that changed just months before his trial. This injustice has kept him away from his family and community for far too long.

I am asking for your prayers, your voices, and your support. Please help me bring attention to this issue and demand justice for my father. Share his story, sign petitions, and join me in calling for change within a system that has failed so many.

Together, we can make a difference. My father deserves a second chance. He has proven that he is rehabilitated, and he is ready to come home to be a positive force in our community.

Please pray for his release and help us fight for justice.

Free Pastor James Graham.

On 07-23-2003 the following was ordered:
Sentence
State Prison
Time
21 Years
Begin date
 
Notes
Consecutive to any other sentence. 07-24-15/ M Joseph Donald The Court ordered that the defendant is NOT ELIGIBLE for the Substance Abuse Program
Sentence
Extended Supervision
Time
5 Years, 3 Months
Begin date
 
Notes
Imprisonment of 26 years, 3 months in WSP consecutive to any other sentence with credit for 272 days time served. Confinement of 21 years and extended supervision of 5 years, 3 months. Not eligible for the challenge incarceration program. Provide DNA sample.
Sentence
Costs
Time
 
Begin date
 
Notes
Costs and surcharges, including the cost of DNA paid from up to 25% of prison wages and as a condition of extended supervision and after restitution has been satisfied. **4-15-09: Amended JOC issued 8-7-08 reflects erroneous DNA surcharge of $500. Court ordered the surcharge reduced to $250.
Sentence
Restitution
Time
 
Begin date
 
Notes
$3,300.00 to Family Dollar Store paid from up to 25% of prison wages and as a condition of extended supervision.
Count
2
Statute cite
943.32(2)
Description
Attempt Armed Robbery w/Threat of Force
Severity
Felony B
Offense date
10-24-2002
Plea
Not Guilty on 03-11-2003
Charge modifier(s)
Statute
Description
939.32
Attempt
943.32(1)(b)
Armed Robbery with Threat of Force.
On 03-27-2003 there was a finding of:
Action
Found Guilty at Jury Trial
Court official
Di Motto, Jean A.
Notes
 
On 07-23-2003 the following was ordered:
Sentence
Costs
Time
 
Begin date
 
Notes
See count 1.
Sentence
State Prison
Time
20 Years
Begin date
 
Notes
Consecutive to count 1.
Sentence
Extended Supervision
Time
5 Years
Begin date
 
Notes
Imprisonment of 25 years in WSP consecutive to count 1. Confinement of 20 years and extended supervision of 5 years.
Count
3
Statute cite
941.29(2)
Description
Possession of Firearm by Felon