Change.org Petition: Unfair life sentence - Non-violent drug offenses do not deserve life sentences!

16 years ago, Charles Hamilton and 15 other people were arrested on nonviolent drug charges. Charles was the only one out of the group to go to trial instead of taking a plea deal. While all 15 of his co-defendants have been released after little to no time, Charles received a life sentence—which he’s currently serving. Add your name to Elizabeth’s petition If you believe nonviolent offenders shouldn’t be sentenced for life. Non-violent drug offenses do not deserve life sentences! 4,470 have signed Migo Jerz’s petition. Let’s get to 5,000!

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Charles Hamilton is serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. He was the only one of 16 codefendents to go to trial instead of taking a plea deal. He was given an *extended* term life sentence for 1st degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He has been incarcerated for 16 years and every SINGLE one of his codefendents has been released after little to no time. Charles was recently eligible for resentencing through the Office of Attorney General process for  non-violence drug sentences.  The Essex County Prosecutor objected to his resentencing. Charles filed a clemency application to Governor Murphy years ago without response.Charles is 51 years old, he has been a model inmate, and his family is waiting for him. He has never committed violence and does not deserve a life sentence because he dared to go to trial. Charles was been denied visitors in prison for years without explanation. He is being punished for daring to go to trial. If you believe that non-violent offenders should not be locked up for life, please call Governor Murphy at (609) 292-6000 and tell him to let Charles Hamilton go.

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