The status quo dissolved into a cloud of uncertainty during the pandemic, prompting both negative and positive shifts within the American System. Five Maryland lawmakers recently addressed a positive change that should remain going forth: The assessment of an individual’s ability to successfully reenter society before sending them back to prison once the dangers surrounding COVID-19 subside.
The Trump administration stood firm in their decision to send a heaping 4,500 people back to detention centers, even if their behavior demonstrates a deservingness to reenter society as a rehabilitated citizen. In a refreshing attempt to restore empathy within the justice system, five Maryland lawmakers sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal requesting the reconsideration of the Trump Administration’s senseless decision. A quote from letter follows:
“These individuals were transferred from correctional facilities to home confinement to stem the spread of COVID-19 after the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) determined that they did not present a danger to the public, but a Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion issued under the prior administration erroneously concludes that they will have to return to prison,”
The letter narrowed in on a 76-year-old Baltimore woman Ms. Gwen Levi, a prisoner of 24.5 years before being released to home confinement. Levi was tragically sent back to prison a year after her release due to a minor misunderstanding regarding the rules of the halfway house of which she resided—she did not answer her phone. Despite oppositions made by the DOJ, the 76-year-old was later released. Levi pleads for the safety and justice of other inmates in a written statement to the president:
“President Biden, please act now to keep these people home… They are doing everything right, yet they wake up every day not knowing where they will be in a few months, and that uncertainty makes it impossible to plan for their futures. Please remove that cloud. Commute their sentences now.”
Levi showed the public that imprisoned individuals have a voice to be heard, and lawmakers have a platform to tell their stories. People deserve a second chance. If you feel like your story has been ignored, our hard working professionals at Easy Expunctions are here to listen. To learn more about our seamless record-clearing process, give us a call at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website at easyexpunctions.com.