END DEATH SENTENCES FOR YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS

Question? If a person is sentenced to 100 years in prison, and there isn't a parole system available in Virginia,wouldn't that be considered a sentence to die in prison? One can't actually serve 100 years!!!There is geriatric parole after one turns 60 years old,but it still isn't guaranteed. How much life is truly left after a rigorous journey in prison after serving 30,35,or 40 years?Imagine this being the circumstances of someone who was convicted of an offense before the age of 21!!!Imagine that being the circumstances of someone who wasn't the actual perpetrator of a murder,and never possessed the"intent"for someone to lose their life.This is my reality.This is the reality of black communities all over the state,whom are suffering tremendously from many legislative and judicial injustices!
This petition is focused on extending the juvenile parole law,from the age of 18 up to the age of 21.In 2020,a bill was passed granting anyone who committed their offense before the age of 18,parole eligibility after serving 20 years.Also,life in prison,as a sentence,was revoked as an option.Though,this action by lawmakers was great progress,it fell short in equal justice.Scientific facts and research show,a males mind doesn't fully develop until he's in his mid 20s.See The Emerging Adult Justice Project for detailed facts,research and statistics.In 2019,Illinois enacted legislation that allowed offenders who committed offenses while younger than 21,to apply for parole after 20 years.In California,most offenders younger than 26 at the time of their offense,qualify for"youth offenders parole"hearings.Juvenile parole was ultimately put in place because it was determined these individuals weren't mentally mature enough to make adult like decisions.The issue at hand is,neither are those whom were under the age of 21 at the time of the offense they committed!Furthermore,outside of courtrooms,Virginia has established the legal age for being an adult at 21 years old,as one cannot purchase a handgun,alcohol,or tobacco products until the age of 21.If a juvenile is sentenced to juvenile life,they aren't released until they turn 21 years old.So,it is fair to assume,21 is the age at which one is considered an adult, because that is how he is treated.

But when one commits an offense,and is being held accountable in a court of law,they are then considered an adult upon turning 18 years old.Also,at the age of 18,he is allowed to possess a handgun,when he is needed for military purposes,but he wasn't responsible enough to purchase a handgun when it wasn't a benefit to Virginia.Its clear the age of adulthood is determined in each situation,by how it benefits Virginia!!!!
Not having juvenile parole extended up to the age of 21,is a violation of mines,and hundreds of other's 14th Amendment right,to equal protection under the law.Once someone is certified as an adult,they are an adult!!!No exceptions!To grant some adults parole eligibility and not others,when they share the same lack of mental maturity,is unconstitutional because under the COLOR OF LAW,one shall be granted equal treatment as those with similar circumstances as theirs.Therefore,under the color of law,I should be granted parole consideration because I was only 19 years old at the time of my offense,and I lacked mental maturity. I was a teenager!!!!
My name is Jamar Paxton Sr.I am 41 years old.I was sentenced to 78 years in prison for an accidental murder,where I was convicted as a principle in the second degree.Meaning,I wasn't the actual perpetrator to the murder,but was alleged to have been a part of an attempted robbery,that resulted in a precious life being lost.I've been incarcerated for 22 years!During which time,I've only received one institutional infraction,which was 13 years ago.I've earned two trades.One in custodial maintenance,and another for painting/drywall.I've completed three behavioral programs provided within the dept.of corrections.Thinking for a change,breaking barriers and anger management.I've reached outside of the prison setting to strengthen my mental development,by completing a"mindset makeover"course with the"criminal offender reform establishment"program.I've also completed a political economy and social philosophy course with the Henry George Academy.In order to develop career level skills,I completed two courses at Stratford career institute.One for business management,and another to be a drug and alcohol treatment specialist.I am currently taking a paralegal course with Blackstone paralegal studies,to be a certified paralegal.I've held a job as an elder/mentor in a reentry program.I was hand picked and entrusted by the administration to assist in preparing hearts and minds to be productive citizens.
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I've written a self help book for men,which I intend to have published soon.I've shown every indication of being mentally developed,and able to be an asset to society,but as it stands,I won't be able to share all that I've learned with the up and coming generation,who needs it desperately,because parole was abolished in Virginia back in 1995.There is no system in place to reevaluate each individuals case and progress,to see if they can be deemed fit for society.Virginia has made it clear,WE don't believe those convicted of violent offenses can be reformed!That,or WE don't believe in giving people another chance at life once they are reformed!

I ask and pray,that all concerned citizens that see and feel the moral injustice within this issue,sign this petition in support of reasonable change.Keep in mind,the enactment of parole eligibility being extended up to the age of 21 years old,doesn't mean everyone eligible will automatically go home!Only those whom have served 20 years,shown consistent maturity,rehabilitation, and the ability to be a productive citizen,will be given serious consideration for this mercy.The plan is to collect as many signatures as possible,then have a bill drawn up,and present it to a"pro second chance"lawmaker for sponsorship.Then have it presented to the general assembly for enactment,and to the governor for support.
I ask and pray,that you sign,and share this petition with your Facebook friends,Instagram and tik tok followers.My personal story and criminal justice endeavors can be read on the Death Row Soul Collective web site,for all to learn more about me and the type of person that would potentially benefit from your support of this petition.Let's end the harsh and oppressive treatment of our youth in Virginia! Thank you for caring!

"An injustice dealt to ONE,should be treated as an injustice to ALL!This approach alone,is the key to establishing a fair functioning criminal justice system!"