My Plea for a Sentence Reduction
This is my request for a sentence reduction. It is my third application; the previous two were denied. I have a sentence of 121 years to 222 years, and served a total of fifty-seven in prison. I’m asking the board to consider reducing my minimum sentence so I can at least be eligible for parole someday.
I’m 71 years old, and my release date is in the next century (June of 2105). I’m not allowed any good-time credits under Nebraska law. I have ten consecutive habitual sentences. They are for the same act.
My story begins in 1968, when I was thirteen years old. I have been locked up since. In June of 1981, I assaulted three correctional officers, and verbally threatened another. I take full responsibility for my actions. I made poor choices that led to this act. I got caught up in a web of violence that started in prison at an early age.
I offer my sincere apologies to the people I assaulted. I pray they will forgive me. I’ve worked to better myself. I was transferred to the State of Kansas on an interstate compact. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been virtually free of trouble. I’ve programmed myself with a GED, a college degree, worked at a private industry job for twenty-two years, and a construction crew for ten without missing a day’s work. I’ve received numerous accommodations from wardens, unit teams, and correctional officers. I’ve published two books to try and reach out to people, so they won’t make the same mistakes I did as a young man. I’m spiritually alive now, where for years I was dead. I received a vo-tech trade along and have taken self-help programs dealing with anger and conflict. None of this will ever erase the violent nature of my crime. All I ask of the board members is that they give me a chance at redemption; so I can prove that I am worthy of living in society.
Prison is a society unto itself. It is cruel, and a very dangerous place. It’s easy to earn a reputation as a dangerous prisoner. All one has to do is show that he is ready and willing to use violence to the extreme when anyone crosses him. In no way am I justifying the poor choices I made as a young man.
My vision of life on the outside is like a dream. How badly I want to walk free and find a life and see and do things other people do. I don’t know if I’ll ever be free, but maybe someday society will give me the chance to walk among them. If I ever walk out of prison a free man, I hope it’s because I’m a better and changed man.
With Respect,
Robert Clark