Hi, my name is Christopher Vallejo. I have been incarcerated since I was 16 years old. I never had the upper hand at life. I was in the foster system as a kid and as I got older I had to provide for my own needs, I had to make adult decisions that weren’t easy for a kid to make. That’s why I looked up to my uncle who was like a father figure to me, I always assumed he had my best interest until he mislead me into taking his charge.

Not only did my uncle fail me, the police failed me when they took my statement without my legal guardian or attorney present, I did not have a paid lawyer and was represented by an overworked and underpaid public defender. In return for a 16 year plea, my uncle, who became my co-defendant, was asked to testify against me and say i committed the crime . I received 30 years, my co-defendant served and was released on parole after 14 years.

Throughout my incarceration, I was surrounded by grown adult men and again, I had to grow quicker than the normal teenage male but I was able to rehabilitate myself, surround myself with positivity, sign up for programs, classes and maintain a job.  I was never given a second chance to prove myself or show that I am not the kid I was at 16 years old, I want to show my rehabilitation and the time is now.

Although, i did not participate in this crime, I am remorseful for the events that took place. I am also regret getting in the car because my life also changed, little did I expect that being a passenger of a car would alter my life forever. 

15 years of my life is gone which went to paying a debt to society, I will never get them back but I still have many years ahead of me to show my progress, complete my many goals in life, be a supporting husband to my wife and a supporting father to my stepdaughter and future children.

I respectfully ask for your signature to be the voice I need in order to be heard and released.  When I’m given this second opportunity at life; it will not be wasted.

Thank you for all your support. Be well and be safe.

Sincerely,

Christopher Vallejo