Juvenile offense used for third strike to justify life without parole for Lloyd Wright.
Wright sold crack cocaine to an undercover officer posing as a drug buyer. A jury convicted Wright of charges of distribution of $50 worth of crack cocaine and distribution of crack within a half-mile of a school.
In order to be able to sentence Wright to mandatory life without parole under South Carolina’s three-strikes law, the court used a juvenile conviction as a necessary third strike. According to prosecutors, Wright had previous convictions for possession of crack, possession of a stolen vehicle, and unlawful carrying of a pistol.
Wright now spends his time studying the law, reading the Bible, and praying. He says he remains close to his wife and mother. “Even though I committed a crime, I’m not a violent person, and I have changed my life to be more positive and productive ...”.
Read full story at ACLU Special Report. A Living Death: Life Without Parole for Nonviolent Offenses.
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As voters, citizens, taxpayers and bystanders, we as a society have inhumanely punished thousands of nonviolent people. Currently Washington DC and 30 states have compensation statutes for wrongfully convicted inmates. Congress’ recommended amount is $63,000 for each year served. On the other hand, overly sentenced victims who in many cases have suffered equally or worse typically receive $20 and a bus ticket if they are fortunate enough to ever be released.
Select the link below to donate directly to Wright to help him with legal and other expenses. Most of these inhumanely sentenced inmates don't remember the last time they were able to buy personal items or snacks from the commissary. No donation is too small. JPAY is used for state inmates and Western Union for federal.
No Harsh Justice inmate has ever been convicted of a violent crime.
Domate to Wright's Legal Fund (Select South Carolina, Inmate ID=304199)
Note: 100% of your donation goes directly into the inmate's prison account.