ACTION ALERT
AUGUST 13, 2010
ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER
TO
VOTE "YES" ON SENATE BILL 399
Establishes a process for resentencing juveniles sentenced to life without the possibility of parole
We need only a few votes to pass SB 399 in the Assembly! The vote is likely to happen the week of August 16. Please call, email or fax a letter to your Assembly Member today. More information on the bill and how to contact your Assembly member at www.fairsentencingforyouth.org.
Did you know that the U.S. is the only country in the world that imprisons juveniles for life without the possibility of parole? SB 399 would establish a process for these prisoners, after they have served at least 10 years, to have a hearing which will review their sentences. If they can prove that they have turned their lives around, they will have an opportunity to be resentenced, usually to a sentence of 25 years to life. They would then go before a parole board after serving 25 years to be evaluated for parole.
It is not a "get out of jail free" card. It does, however, acknowledge that young people are capable of rehabilitation and give some hope to those juveniles (as young as 14) who have received this extreme sentence.
This is an urgent action alert. Please contact your legislator now! The vote will be very close - two to three votes may make the difference.
