Children have an incredible ability to change as they age, even when they have committed a very serious crime in their youth. That’s why the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that sentencing children to life without the possibility of parole is unconstitutional in all but the rarest of cases. Unfortunately, district attorneys in Louisiana continue to seek this sentence at an alarming rate. That’s where we come in.
Through an unprecedented contract with the state, we represent the majority of children facing death-in-prison sentences. For children who have yet to be sentenced, we partner with public defenders across Louisiana so that each child receives the benefit of both local expertise and our specialized juvenile defense. For children who were sentenced before the Supreme Court’s rulings, we get them back in court to fight for a chance at parole.
In every case, we stand with our clients so that they may one day have an opportunity for redemption.
The Moral of Rickey’s Story
Rickey is living proof that redemption is possible. As a child, Rickey made a terrible mistake, yet grew to become a trusted friend, reverend, and leader in his prison community. After 41 years of incarceration, he was given the opportunity to show the parole board how he had changed, and they granted him a second chance – one he’s not wasting. Read more.
