I want to introduce you to Dustin. He now is a man of integrity, love and a positive mind. He has done so much to help me out of the darkness I had lived in for almost twenty years! Drugs, depression, and self hate. Today I am a completely different person. I’m sober, happy and positive. All because a man in prison seen my worth when I didn’t! Dustin’s story is one of a kind. 

At a young age, Dustin went through many different levels of abuse and trauma from mental, physical and sexual. And thankfully his father stepped in and got custody. But the damage was done. Later in life it was discovered Dustin had mental illnesses/ADD and the family wasn’t aware until it was to late. He was around the wrong crowd and looked up to the wrong people. Trying to prove himself. He made the wrong decision and ended up in prison at the age of 23 for a 40 year aggravated sentence in Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

He is now 35 and made the best out his situation. He made amends with his accuser and has changed the path for many others.   These guys deserve a second chance, but aren’t even considered due to the laws in place on aggravated crimes. He has missed watching his daughter grow up. She is now 10 and finally got to meet her dad.

Passing House Bill 2341 would give people who were incarcerated at a very young age a second chance at life! If they show merit they should be able to have this chance. It’s scientifically proven our minds are not fully developed until around the age 25! FACTS!

Texas only has a release rate of 36% yearly. Compared to other states who have 80% yearly release rates. People mistakenly believe that long sentences for violent offenses will have a deterrent effect. But research has consistently found that harsher sentences do not serve as effective “examples,” preventing new people from committing violent crimes, and also fail to prevent convicted people from re-offending.

Not only are the living conditions in humane but for the people who have actually changed with a long sentence don’t have a chance to come home. Instead of locking them up and throwing away the key we should put more programs in place to help people with mental illness and provide help with counseling and end this cycle. For example, once a offender has done 10 yrs flat on 40 year aggrevated sentence there file should come up to see if there has been improvement and growth in rehabilitation for the person and that would make them a eligible candidatefor parole? It would reduce the over crowding, reduce the cost of housing them, and stop the vicious cycle. Once released they have counseling, parole and other services that is on their treatment plan. 

Washington lowered its recidivism rate by 3.5% after increasing earned time credits from 33% to 50%
So basically by decreasing sentences they saw a direct correlation decreasing recidivism while saving $7200/inmate 

Give these guys a chance at life. Not one person is the same as they were at 23. I know I’m not the same as I was when I was 23 and neither are you! Help me bring Dustin home. And reform Aggravated prison sentencing laws! Thank you!