My fiance, Darrel, like many others, is serving a life sentence for a non-violent offense due to the law passed back in 1995 which abolished parole and enacted the 2-Strike Rule for any person who commits an offense less than 3 years after being released. This law was implemented during America's fight against crime, but it has had devastating consequences for individuals like Darrel who deserve a second chance at life.

Darrel has been incarcerated since 2001, spending over 23 years of his life behind bars for a non-violent offense. Since being given a life sentence, he has missed out on so many traumatic events that happened with his family. He has lost his mother to lupus, a father who raised him, due to health issues and his biological father who recently passed away.  He also lost his youngest sister, who was killed. He was unable to attend the funerals of any of his loved ones which can have an adverse mental affect on someone incarcerated. Unfortunately, he is not alone; there are countless others in Florida's prison system who have been sentenced under this unjust rule. It is time to create awareness around reforming Florida's Prison Release Reoffender program (PRR) and advocate for change.

The purpose of this petition is to gather support and signatures from concerned citizens across Florida to present to Tallahassee legislators. We want them to understand that many of our loved ones incarcerated have strong support systems outside prison walls and deserve an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

By reforming the PRR program, we can address several critical issues:

1. Unjust Sentencing: The current system disproportionately punishes non-violent offenders by denying them parole or early release options based on minor infractions committed after their initial release. This denies individuals the chance to prove their growth and rehabilitation.

2. Overpopulation in Prisons: The strict application of the PRR program has contributed significantly to overpopulation within Florida's prisons. By allowing non-violent offenders an opportunity for early release or parole based on their behavior and progress while incarcerated, we can reduce overcrowding without compromising public safety.

3. Financial Burden: Maintaining an overcrowded prison system is an enormous financial burden on taxpayers. By reforming the PRR program, we can allocate resources more efficiently towards rehabilitation programs, education, and reentry initiatives that have proven to reduce recidivism rates.

We believe in the power of second chances and the importance of rehabilitation. Many non-violent offenders like my fiancé, Darrel have strong support systems outside prison walls who are ready to help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens. It is time for Florida's legislators to recognize this reality and take action.

By signing this petition, you are joining us in urging Tallahassee legislators to reform Florida's Prison Release Reoffender program (PRR). Together, let's create awareness around this issue and advocate for a fairer criminal justice system that promotes rehabilitation, reduces overpopulation in prisons, and gives non-violent offenders a chance at redemption.

Let us stand united in our belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Sign now and make your voice heard!

Thank you for your support.