URGENT APPEAL!!!!
MICHAEL LEWIS PAROLE PETITION CAMPAIGN
November 2015
This is an appeal from the Michael Lewis Legal Defense Committee, of which I am the Executive Director.
Michael was 13 years old when he was wrongfully convicted in Atlanta, Georgia, for a murder he did not commit, sentenced to life in prison. That was 18 years ago now. Over all these years, we’ve made every legal appeal possible for his unjust conviction, all of which appeals have been denied—though we’re holding our breath right now for a decision from the federal appellate court re the state court denial of Michael’s habeas corpus petition, our last appeal.
The only hope in sight is the possibility of parole.
- The Georgia Parole Board will review Michael’s case in February 2016.
- The Board will not consider Michael’s innocence.
- It may take into consideration the various, recent Supreme Court decisions outlawing a life sentence for a child as a violation of the Constitution’s prohibition of “cruel and unusual punishments.”
The Board’s denial of parole to Michael five years ago was singularly based on the “nature of the crime,” which, obviously, can never change.
We believe, however, that we can mount a strong case to demonstrate to the Board what it is likely to give weight to, that:
- Michael has served enough time;
- He has not violated any prison rules for many years (despite that he’s been in isolation for the last four years under no administrative charge at all);
- He has the support to succeed outside, in terms of education, housing, employment.
The Petition to the Board requires incredible legal work, and we have been able to engage a wonderful attorney in Atlanta who will prepare the Petition for the February 2016 Board review. If the Board denies the Petition, she will file for a reconsideration hearing. Her $10,000 base fee is reasonable, but we do not have all of it, though we have already paid $5,000. We’re hoping to immediately raise the rest along with the $5,000 investigator fee, or, $10,000.
You can make your contribution via the PayPal button below.
-Or-
You can mail your donation check to:
The Michael Lewis Legal Defense Fund
484 Lake Park Avenue #623
Oakland, California 94610
Thank you so much for any support you can give to this young man—who’s spent his entire youth, and more than half his life, in prison for a crime he did not commit—live a little longer with the hope that he will be finally be free one day.
--- Elaine
Michael Lewis, "Little B", is now one of the longest-held prisoners in the United States who was a juvenile when tried and convicted as an adult.
Elaine Brown Online