This petition is on behalf of Jerry Lara 56192. Jerry was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. At the age of 18 years old he was arrested while visiting his family in Las Vegas in 1996. After his trial, he was convicted and sentenced to 20 years to life in the state of Nevada. After Jerry completed the 20 year sentence, he was granted parole in 2016 but is yet to be released due to an additional equal and consecutive 20 years with Life related to the same offense!

Jerry, who is now 47 years of age, has made significant strides in his personal development and education during his time in prison. He was
able to obtain his G.E.D., as well as psychology course from CSN in 2005. He obtained his certification for Offender Corrections Cognitive Life Skills course through ACCI, which is an independent correspondence program Jerry pursued as a personal choice. Jerry is currently completing remaining courses in Paralegal Studies from Blackstone Career Institute , and Crossroads Prison Ministries since 2018, which is an ongoing correspondence Ministry course.
He is currently advancing in his Computer Training Program and will soon be completing his Braille Certification Training Program/National Federation of the Blind through the Clark County School District (CCSD), which he is excited to pursue once he is released so that he may be a contribution to the lives of children that can greatly benefit from these Braille Transcribers that Jerry has worked on diligently.

Since Jerry was granted parole in 2016 he has been applying for the pardons board of Nevada requesting to reduce or eliminate the additional consecutive 20 years with Life weapon enhancement sentence. All his attempts have been to no avail. The Nevada Courts were merely bound by Legislative mandate to impose equal and consecutive sentences that exceed 20 years to the primary offenses.

The Nevada Legislation, in2007, determined this law was cruel and unjust and amended/modified N.R.S.193.165 to an extremely lesser penalty, but failed to make this adjustment retroactive for those who have already served lengthy sentences. Essentially, Jerry is at the moment serving twice as much time on his unjust enhancement than is even required for any enhancement imposed now.    https://casetext.com/search?q=NRS%20193.165&sort=relevance&p=1&type=case

Many men and women in Nevada Department of Corrections have been subject to this old and harsh penalty/sentence of the additional 20 plus equal and consecutive years that no longer exists added to the original sentence at the age of 18 or younger, as the case for Jerry Lara.

Therefore, we are also requesting your support for legislation that raises the age of criminal culpability to 25 years old and applies this change retroactively to individuals previously convicted under the age of 25. This adjustment would ensure that the legal system more accurately reflects the developmental science of young adults, such is the case for Jerry who was arrested at the age of 18.  https://www.change.org/p/nevada-raise-the-age-of-full-criminal-culpability-to-25-and-apply-retroactively?source_location=search

Although Jerry has not been given the opportunity to present his case before anyone willing to listen, he continues to work on his self-development, improving his computer skills, and is working diligently on his full certification in translating Braille books from the National Federation of the Blind through CCSD for children and the like. He has also managed to remain major write-up/disciplinary free for years.
We are submitting this petition on behalf of Jerry Lara, who has more than served his entire sentence, has demonstrated he can not only function but be an asset to his community, and has the support of family and friends who have been by his side for the past 28 years and are still waiting for his return home.   

During his incarceration Jerry worked in Medical/Infirmary for years working with staff members, nurses, and medical staff in which Jerry related well, socialized and demonstrated respect, as well as professionalism in his daily endeavors.

We believe it is time to reassess the length and nature of his sentence. We are hopeful you will join us in advocating for a sentence modification, sending a powerful message about the need for reform, compassion, rehabilitation, and fairness in our criminal justice system.
Jerry is one of many men and women who deserve a second chance at life after the lengthy time they have already served! 
In light of these considerations, we are formally requesting a chance to be heard by the Nevada Pardons Board on behalf of Jerry Lara .

Our specific request is for a sentence modification/commutation of sentence of his remaining sentence. This change would make him eligible for immediate parole.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Your support could make a significant difference in bringing justice for Jerry Lara.

Please sign this petition if you are supportive of the release of Jerry Lara.
Thank you in advance.
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