Comments on: Texas groups fighting against long prison sentences

By: Cynthia Dorsey

Cynthia Dorsey — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:58:08 +0000

I would like to get involved, I have a son serving 40 yrs on a first offense charge, he was charged with leaving home with his step son while the mother was away, no one was hurt or injured, the mother was upset because he left the house while she was gone and my son is now serving a 40 yr sentence

By: Miya Hill

Miya Hill — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 04:49:36 +0000

My boyfriend was 15 years old and received 2 concurrent life sentences for aggravated robbery so far he has served 15 years he doesn’t come up for parole until 2035 he’ll be 46 years old. I feel like this would help everybody that’s in the same situation as him. I really hope and pray that this passes this session. They deserve a second look and maybe be able to make a difference for another child that’s headed in the same direction.

By: Candy Smith

Candy Smith — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 01:32:48 +0000

I would love to keep up to date with this, I have a good friend that has been locked up since 16. She got life with parole, but if this passes its possible she could finally come home, she doesnt even know how to use a cell phone, how crazy is that to think of? these kids need to come home!

By: Penny Sadler

Penny Sadler — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 22:06:39 +0000

I’m very proud of y’all for fight for their freedom.May God bless you all.Im a mother that have a child in TDCJ.They aren’t treating them right.

By: Lisa Gomez

Lisa Gomez — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 16:29:53 +0000

Hello, my name is Lisa Gomez I would really like to get involved with this because a dear close friend of mine is one of those prisoners, that at the age of 15 whom is now 44 has served his whole lifetime in prison. He is an amazing man that deserves a second look of who he is today. Granted prison is not a place for a young boy to grow up. And not all cases deal with children of having not a good up bringing. Some, of those cases deal with children who were taught to do the right thing, and when a young child at that age can be manipulated to think that they are doing the right thing. Throwing them in a cell and punishing them for that and just forgetting about them is not reforming them. My friend has lived with a split decision that cost him his life and it took a long time for him to forgive himself. And for one of the victims of this horrible crime to come and visit him and tell him he forgives him also, has really given him the courage and the strength to continue forward and live life in there as peaceful as he can. Like my friend told me, he wants to be known as a person who yes, made a terrible mistake and committed a horrible crime. But, that is truly not the man and that will never define him today. He was young and not realizing that he was being manipulated by young love, and thinking he was back then saving a person, made him so cautious to love ever again. This man even behind prison walls has been the best friend I will ever have in this lifetime. And I pray everyday that just 1 person can see the amazing heart that this man has. He wants a chance to help young people, and not just young but he wants to help people of all ages, to just know that they are not alone and they could have someone to talk to when needed. Only because he has been through it. Like he always says , If I can make a difference in 1 person’s life, then I have done my job”. And for a man to spend his entire childhood and adulthood now to say that really tells me that he truly has so much to offer society. And it is not just in rotting and sitting in a cell and left to die alone. Family is everything to this man, And I will continue to be by my best friend’s side till the bitter end. But, one thing I know for sure, is that all these prisoners that were thrown in a system when they were younger then 18 deserve a second look. Please send me a link and email me if I can do anything to help you in this cause. In the end, I just want my friend to see what it is like and how beautiful this life can be. He truly deserves it. And I know he will make a difference, he has made a big difference in mine. lgomez2593@outlook.com

By: Cheryl Arterburn

Cheryl Arterburn — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 20:12:06 +0000

I have a step-son who was charged with capital murder @ the age of 16 Dec 22,1995..Steven fell into the wrong crowd after major neglect as a child by his Father, Mother, & Step-Father.. During his time he attained his GED, college & self help classes.. He’s not up for parole till age 57 which I find “harsh” punishment for a child 16 who never had the proper childhood he deserved.

By: Lynn Lara

Lynn Lara — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:06:49 +0000

Release our babies!!

By: Lynn Lara

Lynn Lara — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 16:01:12 +0000

My son was 16 when he was convicted of his crime and received a 45 year sentence this was in 2005
I agree that the justice system is wrong in sending children to prison for 40 years or more
Yes the law needs to be changed

By: Corrina Jimenez

Corrina Jimenez — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:34:50 +0000

I am a mother of a son who was given 40 years at the time he was 15 years old but today he is ready to be released and I am interested in helping him outside the walls not just for him but for others who are behind bars along with families who do the time as well…I would like information on how to get on the group that is needing more voices to be heard.Please send me a link where I can communicate with others who are dealing with this same situation.

By: Chaplain-Minister Alfonso “Poncho” Gonzales

Chaplain-Minister Alfonso “Poncho” Gonzales — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 04:03:52 +0000

I am a CVCA; Certified Volunteer
Chaplain Assistant, at the J.B. Connally and personally know and help sponsor programming they have devised for the TDCJ.

Life long charges of the State of Texas, but many of these men are exemplary humans that help the general population, and more importantly the higher level offenders with Life Skills programming. Years in the works to devise, tweak and have the State of Texas vet for clearance of every necessary hurdle. This programming reduces their chances to stay out dramatically; all while seeing no real chance at parole anytime soon if at all.

There is simply no further programming to help them attain the level of conduct and clarity they already have.

They have more than earned their right to try to live outside the walls of all they know. Allow them to become contributing citizens to the State of Texas instead of a continued financial burdens.

Zero meaningful purpose to keep them incarcerated any longer; they are totally rehabilitated!