Change.org - Life in prison for taking $9.00

Willie Simmons has spent 38 years in prison for taking $9.00. And unless Alabama’s governor steps in, Willie could spend the rest of his life in prison. Many call Willie’s sentence one of the most appalling prison sentences in America. Millions are demanding Willie be released from prison—and celebrities like Kim Kardashian West are joining them. Join the growing campaign telling Alabama’s governor that a life sentence for taking $9.00 is unjust. Willie Simmons has served 38 years for a $9 robbery 3,128,062 have signed Makheru Bradley’s petition. Let’s get to 4,500,000!

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In 1982, Army veteran Willie Simmons, was prosecuted under Alabama’s habitual offender law. Mr. Simmons he had three prior convictions, one of which was for grand larceny. He told reporter Beth Shellbure the other two were for receiving stolen property.  At the time Mr. Simmons had become addicted to drugs while stationed overseas  He was convicted of 1st-degree robbery and sentenced to life without parole for stealing $9. Simmons has spent the last 38 years in prison. This is clearly a case of cruel and unjust punishment. Over the years Mr. Simmons has filed several appeals without any legal assistance. All of his appeals were denied, and based on a 2014 change in Alabama laws, it appears that he has no appeal options left.In the interest of justice Governor Kay Ivey should commute Mr. Simmons sentence.

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