Sign the petition here / Case Number: CF-03-422, 423 The State of Oklahoma OCA C-05-167
This man – this human being — is incarcerated in the Oklahoma state DOC system for 110 years; a multiple life sentence. A death sentence.
Mr. Howard admitted to his crimes, without blame or excuse. His co defendants served no time whatsoever.
Because he wouldn’t rat on his codefendant, the PROMISED 35-year MAXIMUM possible prison sentence became a 110-year plea deal coercion.
The Oklahoma legislature – through its statutes, intended a sentence in the range of 16 – 35 years for the self- admitted crimes committed by this defendant. Not 110 years without even the benefit of a jury trial!
As prisoner advocates, we believe Oklahoma citizens need to know the truth of what happened here and what continues to happen to black men who can’t afford private legal counsel.
Mr. Howard’s victim did not die. She did not suffer lifelong or life-threatening injuries. She does not desire to block LaRoy’s early release. After 17 years in state ODOC prison, and 3 years in county jail, for a total of 20 incarcerated years, he has already paid his debt to his victim and to society. This is a sentencing policy issue and a matter of coercive plea bargaining.
Had Mr. Howard been properly charged as the Oklahoma legislature intended, Mr. Howard, a wholly rehabilitated man, would be preparing for a prisoner reentry program now.
Who in their right mind signs a 110-year plea deal for a non-capital crime? NOBODY! What kind of lawyer allows this excessive sentencing to happen? What kind of trial court? What kind of DA would even push for this?
Facts: Oklahoma resides in the Tenth Circuit Federal Court system. Another state, Colorado, also a Tenth Circuit state recently plowed new sentencing ground when its governor remarkably intervened in the judicial process and tore up a 110-year sentence (truck driver whose negligence caused four deaths). That sentence was instantly replaced with a more appropriate 10-year sentence – of which 4 years or less will be served in a state prison.
Point: Decades of overcharging and sentencing abuse in Oklahoma and all states is OVER. The public – taxpayers and thinking people — are onto the crimes perpetrated by prosecutors and courts. The average man on the street wonders “where are the lawyers?” Why don’t defense lawyers do something about this? Why in the world would any lawyer allow Mr. Howard’s prosecution to end this way?
Decision: Mr. Howard is prepared for release. Adding insult to injury, the state clemency board wouldn’t even let the governor take a look at his case. Months ago, LaRoy was summarily rejected for sentencing commutation for a reduced sentence without even the respect of one sentence of explanation.
Groundswell: Do Something! Sign the petition for the governor to right this wrong.