End JLWOP MI
SUPPORT MICHIGAN SENATE BILLS AIMED AT ENDING LIFE WITHOUT SENTENCES FOR MINORS
Michigan shamefully leads the nation as the state with the highest number of people currently serving LWOP sentences for crimes committed when they were children ("juvenile lifers"). As of February 24, 2021 there are 108 people serving the extreme sentence in the state. Ninety-two are awaiting resentencing hearings. Sixteen were resentenced to LWOP due to prosecutorial and judicial abuse of discretion and are actively appealing their sentences.
Of the 255 juvenile lifers who have already been resentenced and released from prison less than one percent have reoffended, making them the lowest recidivism rate of any demographic that is released from prison. The national recidivism rate is 68%.
Write your Michigan Senator an email expressing support for passage of Michigan Senate Bills 848-851. If passed, the bills will make Michigan the thirty-fifth state to end the inhumane practice of sentencing people to die in prison for crimes they committed when they were children.
The bills recognize the concept of redemption and allow juvenile offenders to receive term-of-year sentences that provide them release consideration later in their adult lives based on demonstrated change and rehabilitation.
You are also invited to share this Petition Link http://Bitly.com/SB848-851 widely in your social media network and ask others to do the same. Help replace the cruel throw away policy of the past with a forward-thinking policy that recognizes human dignity. #EndJLWOP
