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HELP AN INMATE
How and why did inhumane sentencing happen?
In past decades, overly zealous politicians fed off a public cry to get tough on crime, from both black and white communities. As recently as the 90s, Bill Clinton led such efforts effectively for his career and now he publicly admits he was wrong.
There was no differentiation for the nonviolent crimes of poverty and addiction in 3-strikes laws that dictate life without parole sentences. Yet murderers, rapists and child molesters continue to pass through a revolving door.
The cost to taxpayers for incarcerating the current 3000+ nonviolent life without parole inmates for the rest of their lives is estimated to be nearly $2 billion.
What can I do to help an unfairly sentenced inmate?
The federal government, the District of Columbia and 30 states have compensation statutes for wrongfully convicted inmates. This is generally based upon a set minimum amount for each year served.
George W. Bush endorsed Congress’s recommended amount of up to $50,000 per year, with up to an additional $50,000 for each year spent on death row. Adjusted for inflation, this amount is $63,000. Texas compensates the wrongfully convicted $80,000 per year and an annuity set at the same amount. Yet there is nothing for over-sentenced inmate victims who in many cases have suffered equally or worse because of unjust sentencing laws.
As voters, citizens, and taxpayers, we do not have to be helpless bystanders. Read the stories about the injustices levied on some of these nonviolent inmate victims and their families. Anyone can help by advocating for an inmate and sharing his or her story; making a direct donation; or providing legal assistance.
All have a good chance now for freedom if they could receive capable legal representation for the first time ever. Newly released inmates need jobs and many have new skills and job training as a result of their incarceration.
How can I send money to a specific inmate?
Secure credit card services are available that are supported by the facilities where inmates are located, Western Union for federal inmates and JPAY for state inmates. To make an online contribution, select your inmate's story page below and follow the instructions located there. The inmate receives 100% of your direct donation.
Harsh Justice Inmates
Harsh Justice in America is pleased to announce that 12 of our inmates have gained their freedom since 2016, 11 were serving life without parole sentences.
No Harsh Justice inmate has been convicted of a violent crime
I am a legal professional. How can I help?
Attorneys and other legal professionals are encouraged to take up the causes of these unfortunate victims who are living, or just barely so, in a cage constructed by ignorance, political motives and society's overreactions during the failed war on drugs.
When legal professionals find the compassion to help one of our inmate victims Pro Bono, we recognize you and your business in the Legal Honor Roll.
Legal Honor Roll
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Advocate for an Inmate
It is very important for these victims of cruel sentencing to get their stories spread as widely as possible, especially in their home states. You can help by becoming an inmate advocate.
Advocating is pledging to post inmate stories in social media and to encourage others to do the same. Advocates are social media points of cantact.
Make it your personal mission to increase awareness of these personal tragedies. Attitudes about excess incarceration are changing, both publicly and in Congress, but time is running out for many of these inmates who have already served decades for nonviolent crimes. Presidential commutation list choices are influenced by public opinion. Please take on the challenge and sign up today.
If you know about an inmate whose story should be told on our site and social network, please tell us about them. They must have a verifiable nonviolent record.
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