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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 7:47:57 GMT -6
I just received this email this morning. It is an outrage that this is even possible. Personally, I believe this is an urgent issue for all of us no matter where we are. Persons free on probation are also able to walk away, take off and go anywhere. Please help. I know this is a holiday weekend, but please find it in your heart to write a letter supporting this legislation. Email and fax number are in the text below. In Texas, murderers are eligible to receive a probated sentence if they have not been previously convicted of a felony offense. In Harris County alone, there are approximately 268 murderers on probation. Texas has 254 counties. This means that throughout Texas we have hundreds, if not thousands of convicted murderers serving their sentences on the streets in our communities. This certainly does not promote the safety of Texans.
In the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, public testimony will be heard on HB 187, www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB00187I.pdf, which relates to prohibiting probation for defendants convicted of murder. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:00 P.M.. The location of the hearing is Room: E2.112.
If you are unable to attend to testify, we are asking that you write letters in support of this legislation. Letters can be emailed to Texans for Equal Justice at tej@texansforequaljustice.org through Sunday, April 8. After Sunday, letters should be faxed to (512) 454-9948. Your letters will be hand delivered prior to the hearing to Representative Hockberg who authored HB 187.Here is a link that works (or did for me) to the text of the bill. tinyurl.com/2g8kzkThank you so much for supporting this effort.
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Post by Kay on Apr 7, 2007 9:56:20 GMT -6
Hi J.B.S. Thank you for bring this to my attention. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent this morning. Dear Representative Hockberg RE House Bill 187 - Prohibition of Parole for Persons Convicted of Murder This e-mail is in support of House Bill 187, authored by you, which would prohibit the parole of persons convicted of murder. As a concerned citizen of the state of Texas, I believe public safety is paramount and support this important legislation, which promotes the safety of our state's citizens and families. Thank you for bringing this important legislation before the House.And here's an article about a task force that has formed supporting the same issue. New task force sets out to stop offenders from being paroled Volunteer group could be first of its kind in Texas. AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Wednesday, April 04, 2007 The Williamson County district attorney has formed a task force to help keep convicted murderers such as Vincent Gordon from getting out of prison early. Gordon, 33, was convicted of raping and killing 85-year-old Thelma Lackey more than 16 years ago. He was arrested in 2005 and pleaded guilty to the charges in December. He was a juvenile at the time of the slaying and will be eligible for parole in 15 years. The parole prevention task force, the first of its kind in Texas, has prepared a packet to try to convince a future parole board that Gordon ought to serve his 72-year term. District Attorney John Bradley said he created the task force this year to try to keep violent offenders from being released early. Gordon's is one of the first cases on which the task force has worked. "This was developed out of my frustration of seeing the parole rate go up," Bradley said. "The offenders that I have the most interest in are violent offenders and those who have long-term sentences, because those are the types of people that shouldn't be out." The task force does not cost the county any money, he said. It is made up of volunteers who compile statements from victims or their relatives, summaries of offenses, autopsy reports, criminal histories and crime scene photographs. Lackey's granddaughter, Williamson County Commissioner Lisa Birkman, said she likes the idea but was never contacted by the task force. Some lawyers think the task force might not have the effect Bradley is hoping to achieve. "In some respects, there may be a little bit of cruelty in this," said Keith Hampton, a criminal defense lawyer. "A lot of people have moved on, and they don't want to be reminded of something bad." Attorney William Hines, who represented Gordon when he was convicted, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Gary Cohen, a criminal defense lawyer who represents offenders in the parole review process, said he does not think the task force's packets will affect the parole board's decisions because in most cases, violent offenders already must serve 85 percent of their sentences. Rissie Owens, chairwoman of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, said she has not heard of another county in Texas doing something like this. Owens said that a less-detailed packet similar to the kind the task force puts together is made available to the parole board by the victims services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Mark Odem, deputy director of victims services for the department, said his unit sends letters to victims and their families for input. "We think (the new task force) helps because sometimes, there is no victim protest when an offender is up for parole, even if we send out thousands of letters every month," Odem said. "We don't have an offender-specific packet like this, and we are happy to entertain whatever the task force sends us." ivail@statesman.com; 246-0053 www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/local/04/04/4parole.html?COXnetJSessionIDbuild23=1gM8GX8Ks5plMrrfR7TRylqxBLJh1yGvZvpJGJGlzrPQm8qtc9kn!-603115965&UrAuth=`N]NUOcN[UbTTUWUXUVUZTZU]UWUbUcUZUbUZUcTYWYWZV&urcm=y
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Post by PIP on Apr 7, 2007 13:36:36 GMT -6
Kay can I have the email address and copy/paste your letter...
I want to help but I am short on time today...
~Heidi
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 13:50:05 GMT -6
This is the email address
tej@texansforequaljustice.org
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Post by PIP on Apr 7, 2007 14:00:27 GMT -6
This is the email address tej@texansforequaljustice.org Sent. Thank you Janet.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 14:09:37 GMT -6
This is the email address tej@texansforequaljustice.org Sent. Thank you Janet. Thank you sweet lady, plus for you for helping out!
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Post by PIP on Apr 7, 2007 14:25:40 GMT -6
Thank you sweet lady, plus for you for helping out! Thanks... Keep em coming I have to beat Matthew to 300 And anytime my dear.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 17:53:05 GMT -6
I'll send an email for sure, Janet... Dunno if it'll help coming from CA, but geez! Of course, you know this kinda supports my theory about TX Sent. Here's mine: Dear Representative Hockberg, RE House Bill 187 - Prohibition of Parole for Persons Convicted of Murder I fully support the legislation proposed in House Bill 187. It has been brought to my attention the number of murderers who are being released through a probated sentence in the state of Texas. I find this practice abominable. Public safety should come first, and certainly before what may (or may not) be best for murderers. The practice of (which I was previously unaware of) murderers serving sentences on the streets (as though it's business as usual) is like saying that their first victim was of no consequence. Therefore, although I am not a Texan, and don't even know if my support of House Bill 187 is of any consequence whatsoever, I cannot sit idly by and say 'that's their problem'. If there's even a small chance an email from me could be of help in the endeavor to prohibit probation for defendants convicted of murder, then I must voice my support. Sincerely, Lynne M. Marien
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 18:14:20 GMT -6
I'll send an email for sure, Janet... Dunno if it'll help coming from CA, but geez! Of course, you know this kinda supports my theory about TX See the flying anti-wowie thread please And thank you very much, an opportunity to speak out that is at least in the right direction should never be missed!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 18:33:20 GMT -6
I'll send an email for sure, Janet... Dunno if it'll help coming from CA, but geez! Of course, you know this kinda supports my theory about TX See the flying anti-wowie thread please And thank you very much, an opportunity to speak out that is at least in the right direction should never be missed! Read revised post above this one... done! and of course, no thanks necessary!!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 18:56:56 GMT -6
I'll send an email for sure, Janet... Dunno if it'll help coming from CA, but geez! Of course, you know this kinda supports my theory about TX Sent. Here's mine: Dear Representative Hockberg, RE House Bill 187 - Prohibition of Parole for Persons Convicted of Murder I fully support the legislation proposed in House Bill 187. It has been brought to my attention the number of murderers who are being released through a probated sentence in the state of Texas. I find this practice abominable. Public safety should come first, and certainly before what may (or may not) be best for murderers. The practice of (which I was previously unaware of) murderers serving sentences on the streets (as though it's business as usual) is like saying that their first victim was of no consequence. Therefore, although I am not a Texan, and don't even know if my support of House Bill 187 is of any consequence whatsoever, I cannot sit idly by and say 'that's their problem'. If there's even a small chance an email from me could be of help in the endeavor to prohibit probation for defendants convicted of murder, then I must voice my support. Sincerely, Lynne M. Marien BRAVO!!! and bless you
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Post by Grey on Apr 7, 2007 20:26:04 GMT -6
You think if I make up multiple e-mails and say I'm from texas it will work??? Hmmm.....maybe we should start an on-line petition and then forward the signitures to these people. I just received this email this morning. It is an outrage that this is even possible. Personally, I believe this is an urgent issue for all of us no matter where we are. Persons free on probation are also able to walk away, take off and go anywhere. Please help. I know this is a holiday weekend, but please find it in your heart to write a letter supporting this legislation. Email and fax number are in the text below. In Texas, murderers are eligible to receive a probated sentence if they have not been previously convicted of a felony offense. In Harris County alone, there are approximately 268 murderers on probation. Texas has 254 counties. This means that throughout Texas we have hundreds, if not thousands of convicted murderers serving their sentences on the streets in our communities. This certainly does not promote the safety of Texans.
In the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, public testimony will be heard on HB 187, www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB00187I.pdf, which relates to prohibiting probation for defendants convicted of murder. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:00 P.M.. The location of the hearing is Room: E2.112.
If you are unable to attend to testify, we are asking that you write letters in support of this legislation. Letters can be emailed to Texans for Equal Justice at tej@texansforequaljustice.org through Sunday, April 8. After Sunday, letters should be faxed to (512) 454-9948. Your letters will be hand delivered prior to the hearing to Representative Hockberg who authored HB 187.Here is a link that works (or did for me) to the text of the bill. tinyurl.com/2g8kzkThank you so much for supporting this effort.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2007 20:32:48 GMT -6
You think if I make up multiple e-mails and say I'm from texas it will work??? Hmmm.....maybe we should start an on-line petition and then forward the signitures to these people. I just received this email this morning. It is an outrage that this is even possible. Personally, I believe this is an urgent issue for all of us no matter where we are. Persons free on probation are also able to walk away, take off and go anywhere. Please help. I know this is a holiday weekend, but please find it in your heart to write a letter supporting this legislation. Email and fax number are in the text below. In Texas, murderers are eligible to receive a probated sentence if they have not been previously convicted of a felony offense. In Harris County alone, there are approximately 268 murderers on probation. Texas has 254 counties. This means that throughout Texas we have hundreds, if not thousands of convicted murderers serving their sentences on the streets in our communities. This certainly does not promote the safety of Texans.
In the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, public testimony will be heard on HB 187, www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB00187I.pdf, which relates to prohibiting probation for defendants convicted of murder. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:00 P.M.. The location of the hearing is Room: E2.112.
If you are unable to attend to testify, we are asking that you write letters in support of this legislation. Letters can be emailed to Texans for Equal Justice at tej@texansforequaljustice.org through Sunday, April 8. After Sunday, letters should be faxed to (512) 454-9948. Your letters will be hand delivered prior to the hearing to Representative Hockberg who authored HB 187.Here is a link that works (or did for me) to the text of the bill. tinyurl.com/2g8kzkThank you so much for supporting this effort. If they are walking the streets, they have plenty of opportunity to take off and go wherever. It DOES affect all of us potentially if they are not incarcerated. When I write parole protest letters to other states I remind them of that.
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Post by pumpkin12903 on Apr 8, 2007 5:59:38 GMT -6
Thanks, JBS! I just sent my e-mail. I posted this on murdervictims.com and Grandma's board. Let's hope and pray this'll go through!
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veti
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Cats love humans more than we think- but they are wise enough not to show it. (M.W. Freeman)
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Post by veti on Apr 8, 2007 12:47:45 GMT -6
Dear JBS, I just returned and the first I found was your thread. I don´t know whether it will matter at all- me coming from Europe... but I will send a letter. Take care
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Post by josephdphillips on Apr 9, 2007 12:28:29 GMT -6
It's a laudable effort, but I think it will be struck down in court. In fact, I'd bet money on it. Article 1, Section 9, of the federal constitution prohibits the enforcement of any ex post facto law.
If I read this correctly, the proposed legislation doesn't simply restrict conditions for parole. Instead it resentences all non-DP, non-LWOP murderers to LWOP. If that isn't ex post facto, I don't know what is.
The solution to the problem is to change the penal code in Texas to mandate LWOP for all convicted murderers. It would only apply to murderers convicted after the enactment of the change, but it's a big improvement to the statute.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2007 13:52:02 GMT -6
Perhaps you missed this part Joe.
"AA. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act."
How much of it did you read?
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Post by josephdphillips on Apr 9, 2007 14:15:26 GMT -6
Perhaps you missed this part Joe. "AA. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act." How much of it did you read? I read the letter, which contradicts the language you just offered.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2007 14:39:28 GMT -6
Perhaps you missed this part Joe. "AA. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act." How much of it did you read? I read the letter, which contradicts the language you just offered. The "AA. " quote is from the proposed bill that is linked in the text of the message. The paragraphs I posted are not the bill, it is an email that was sent to me by an MVS mom - she linked the bill instead of including the whole text is all. Not sure what part you thought meant it applied to murderers already sentenced. I don't see it. Read the link for the text of the bill if you want to know what it says.
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Post by josephdphillips on Apr 9, 2007 16:28:13 GMT -6
Not sure what part you thought meant it applied to murderers already sentenced. I don't see it. Read the link for the text of the bill if you want to know what it says. OK, so it's saying all future murderers get LWOP, regardless of circumstances. Is that accurate?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2007 16:46:19 GMT -6
Not sure what part you thought meant it applied to murderers already sentenced. I don't see it. Read the link for the text of the bill if you want to know what it says. OK, so it's saying all future murderers get LWOP, regardless of circumstances. Is that accurate? No Joe. AT this time under certain circumstances, murderers are eligible for a sentence of parole ONLY! This bill would at least make that impossible, and be at least one small step in the right direction. And before you jump down my throat with both feet kicking, I am not saying I think this is the last bill I ever would like to see passed. It is a mere drop in the ocean of what needs to be done, but at least it is something in the right direction for a change - a tiny infinitesimal start, but at least a start.
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Post by bigmama on Apr 9, 2007 18:05:56 GMT -6
just sent mine, hope it's not too late and that it helps even the tiniest bit.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2007 19:09:46 GMT -6
just sent mine, hope it's not too late and that it helps even the tiniest bit. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2007 19:33:12 GMT -6
OK, so it's saying all future murderers get LWOP, regardless of circumstances. Is that accurate? No Joe. AT this time under certain circumstances, murderers are eligible for a sentence of parole ONLY! This bill would at least make that impossible, and be at least one small step in the right direction. And before you jump down my throat with both feet kicking, I am not saying I think this is the last bill I ever would like to see passed. It is a mere drop in the ocean of what needs to be done, but at least it is something in the right direction for a change - a tiny infinitesimal start, but at least a start. Having read both the letter and the bill, I didn't take it to mean that they were talking about parole (as in what they can get after serving that small part of their sentence in prison) at all. From what I understand juries can recommend that a sentence (of say, 30 years) can be served on the street, through probation. It's inconcievable that a murderer would be given such an option. I don't see anything there about LWOP. Peace. Lynne
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2007 19:51:17 GMT -6
No Joe. AT this time under certain circumstances, murderers are eligible for a sentence of parole ONLY! This bill would at least make that impossible, and be at least one small step in the right direction. And before you jump down my throat with both feet kicking, I am not saying I think this is the last bill I ever would like to see passed. It is a mere drop in the ocean of what needs to be done, but at least it is something in the right direction for a change - a tiny infinitesimal start, but at least a start. Having read both the letter and the bill, I didn't take it to mean that they were talking about parole (as in what they can get after serving that small part of their sentence in prison) at all. From what I understand juries can recommend that a sentence (of say, 30 years) can be served on the street, through probation. It's inconcievable that a murderer would be given such an option. I don't see anything there about LWOP. Peace. Lynne yes, that is the right word - probation, thank you no jail time at all AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH, should never have happened, and I hope this passes and it never happens again. mind boggling and horrifying And I even know one MVS mom that this is what one of her daughter's murderers got
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Post by josephdphillips on Apr 9, 2007 21:07:25 GMT -6
No Joe. AT this time under certain circumstances, murderers are eligible for a sentence of parole ONLY! This bill would at least make that impossible, and be at least one small step in the right direction. And before you jump down my throat with both feet kicking, I am not saying I think this is the last bill I ever would like to see passed. It is a mere drop in the ocean of what needs to be done, but at least it is something in the right direction for a change - a tiny infinitesimal start, but at least a start. Having read both the letter and the bill, I didn't take it to mean that they were talking about parole (as in what they can get after serving that small part of their sentence in prison) at all. From what I understand juries can recommend that a sentence (of say, 30 years) can be served on the street, through probation. It's inconcievable that a murderer would be given such an option. I don't see anything there about LWOP. If we are talking about probation, not parole, then this bail should sail through. I am actually very surprised anyone in the country can kill a human being in cold blood and not have to do any time at all. If I were a Texan, I would do my best to get this legislation passed. It is indeed a step in the right direction. The ultimate goal would be no parole at all for any murderer.
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Post by pumpkin12903 on Apr 10, 2007 4:31:59 GMT -6
I say we have to TRY! If we don't ever try, NOTHING will EVER change. The fact they can get probation is outrageous and wrong! Parole protest petitions DO work, so this could work, too. I say keep trying and never give up.
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