Sharanda Jones has been in prison for the last 13 years. She was given a sentence of life in prison with no chance for parole in an alleged conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. The 45-year old mother and her family are pleading for the public’s support in helping her to get home to her daughter Clenesha Garland, who is now 22 years old.
Thousands have already signed the petition for the woman, whom her supporters believe has paid more than her debt to society. They also say that Sharanda’s sentence was flawed, according to Fair Sentencing Guidlines. Her family argues that the public admission by both legislators and advocates that the crack cocaine laws were unfair and draconian mandate that the woman’s sentence be open for reconsideration:
Sharanda has more than paid the price for the crime in which she has been convicted. The United States Sentencing Commission has determined that the federal sentencing guidelines under which Sharanda was sentenced upon were flawed. This determination is evidenced by not one, but two guideline adjustments in less than 5 years in the realm of crack‑cocaine federal sentencing that drastically reduce sentences for crack cocaine offenses. These paramount developments in Congress tell us one thing – the crack cocaine penalties under which Sharanda was sentenced were unfair.
Sharanda was a first time, non-violent offender, and her attorney says that this sentence was harsh for someone in her position. Attorney Brittany K. Byrd in Dallas, Texas has agreed to represent Sharanda on a pro bono basis. Attorney Byrd says that Sharanda has taken responsibility for her crime, but says that it’s not rational for a woman who has never even been arrested for a traffic ticket to spend the rest of her life in prison.
The petition asks for President Barack Obama to use his pen to sign the document that would secure her release. With the president’s signature, this mom could be home with her family within days.
To sign the petition for Sharanda’s release, you can visit this link. If you believe in the cause, we encourage you to share this with everyone you know.
To hear an interview between Attorney Byrd and Dr. Boyce Watkins, you can visit the link below:
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Saturday, June 1st 2013 at 2:06AM
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