ChallengesLegal Failures as Juvenile

The interviewee describes how he was not allowed to be tried as a juvenile and that his lawyers repeatedly waived his right to a speedy trial.

IdentityThat’s Strength

The interviewee describes the joy of being found suitable for parole and how he mentally survived prison.

ChallengesMy Mind’s Not Right

The interviewee describes how he felt he couldn’t fully understand his trial experience.

ChallengesDidn’t Click

The interviewee discusses how it took him a while to understand how serious his crime was and how many people he hurt.

Challenges“How Did it Come to This”

The interviewee discusses how difficult the trial process and period was and his refusal to take a deal.

ChallengesWorst Decision of My Life

The interviewee discusses how he was convicted of felony murder for being a look out.

GrowthRealizing Why I Did It All

The interviewee talks about her experience in prison, becoming clean, going to board, and figuring out who she is. She does this by going to groups and classes.

GrowthFour Sentences

Interviewee discusses the sentences he has received and his three strikes that lead to his life sentence.

Identity"Come to the Lifer Group"

The interviewee describes his initial release process after prison and his experiences with parole and the board. This is how he finally got to walk out of prison.

ChallengesNeeding Support

The interviewee explains why he believes his life took a turn for the worse after being on his own.

IdentityDelayed Charges

The interviewee tries to move forward, leaving her past behind. But eventually, the past catches up to her and gets arrested.

IdentitySobering Up During Trial

Interviewee explains his sobering process during his trial and becoming more aware of his charges and situation. He describes all the trials that had been stacking up until his final arrest for murder.

GrowthOnce the Law Started Changing, We Changed Too

Interviewee describes the how his hope in a new law allowed him to reflect on his actions and create a positive impact in his life.

GrowthDoing My Own Writ

The interviewee discusses how his life without parole could be changed to twenty-five due to the change of law. He talks about being appointed a federal public defender to get him to court to be represented and get his charges dropped.

ChallengesToes Turned Black

The interviewee describes the lack of proper medical care he received in prison and how it affected his physical and mental health.

ChallengesShould’ve Been Released in 1983

The interviewee describes how he believes the justice system is corrupt.

ChallengesDisabled In Prison

The interviewee discusses how he acquired permanent disabilities in prison due to medical negligence.

ChallengesLosing Love in Prison

The interviewee describes two women he loved, how those relationships ended with prison, his crime and the early period of his incarceration.