I live in California and until watching "Serving Life" I had no idea that these incredibly cruel laws existed in Louisiana. I understand the need for punishment, people have to be held accountable for their crimes. I have lost family members and friends on both sides of violence, being the victim and the victimizer. Still though I cannot agree with a law that puts people behind bars for life with no chance of early release for the crimes of first time second degree murder and especially of being an accessory to second degree murder. This is simply outrageous and heartbreaking. It makes no sense whatsoever to essentially end yet another persons life for what in many cases comes down to a first time mistake. Since watching this documentary I have spent time online reading Justin's and many other peoples stories and have done some research into this mandatory law. I am at a loss over it, has there been any proof that this law has acted as a deterrent in Louisiana? Is it simply there just to get rid of people who have made a bad choice? Just lock them up and throw away the key so you don't have to spend any time or money on trying to rehabilitate even first time offenders? Where is the public outcry over this?! I'm sorry to ask so many questions on here its just that reading about this ridiculous law makes me feel like I've gone insane. It makes no sense to me, there are real people and real families continuing to suffer because of this! Justin and thousands of others don't deserve this! I've signed the petition but is there another way I can be of help to this cause?
A
Anonymous
12 years ago
Best wishes, Justin
J
Jessica Sims
12 years ago
I grew up in a wealthy suburb of Atlanta with two parents that gave me everything needed to have a successful and fulfilled life. However, by my sophmore year of college I felt the needto rebel. Like Justin I made the conscious yet idiotic decision to involve myself with drugs. I put myself in many dangerous situations and lost sight of who I was as a person. It took nearly loosing my life in an auto accident before I realized the devastation my actions caused to myself and those around me. I changed, and I believe anyone given the opportunity to an as well. Mandatory sentences lose sight of the individual. Justin made a bad decision and should pay the consequences, but to deny him the opportunity to atone for those mistakes benifits no one.
T
Taryn Rudolph
12 years ago
Punishment does not fit the crime. He has served long enough but life without parol in unconstitutional. He made a mistake and has paid the price.
J
jenn wilson
12 years ago
Just watched the film. It made me cry.
D
DeLena Gill
12 years ago
Justin should not have to serve life in prison for a murder he did not commit. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
S
Summer Trammell
12 years ago
You are in my thoughts and prayers and i pray you get to go home to your family!
E
Edith Partee
12 years ago
U Have My Vote...Best Wishes & Stay Focused, Stay Positive....."You Can DO THIS!!!":)
G
Glenda Ricord
12 years ago
I just watched again the documentary about the inmates at Angola serving in the hospice unit. This program touched me. Especially Justin's story.
D
dedra
12 years ago
He should be released. Time served. Very sad and unfortunate.
J
Janel gomez
12 years ago
Justin doesn't deserve this type of sentence. I believe he has served his time already and should be released. If he was in a different state he wouldn't have had that type of sentence. Please free him.
M
Mr. L. D. Green
12 years ago
Mr. Granier didn't commit this murder and doesn't need to spend the rest of his very young life in any state prison!! This is totally unfair, and I feel he's their also because he's of mixed race--not totally Caucasian, yes, this is what I'm saying!! This is just un-real, but in the USA many, many un-real things happen all the time. Go for a Presidential pardon from Obama before he leaves the White House, seriously!!
L
luke landaiche
12 years ago
Anything for family cuz....courts need to really look this over they got ot all wrong man. Love and prayers coming your way
C
Carter Davis
12 years ago
I have looked into this case and I believe these mandatory sentences are the ruin of many lives. I believe Mr.Granier is guilty of his crime however i do not believe his sentence fits in any way, shape, or form. He has obviously proven himself as being dedicated to righting his wrong and doing everything possible to serve his sentence in the most admirable way possible. Please reconsider his sentence!
J
jennifer harris
12 years ago
I really hope the courts will see the facts behind the case and reconsider the charges on Justin Granier. After reading his story and the charges filed, I feel that this man needs a fair chance at freedom.
A
Anonymous
12 years ago
Justin's sentence is too harsh for the crime committed.
C
Cindy
12 years ago
Justin needs justice. Paying your dues is one thing, justice is another. He has paid the ultimate price and I've seen people lose it all for one moment. I also was involved in a serious drug related situation. I am free today because justice was enforced. I believe Justin will see freedom one day soon!
B
Bob Harrell
12 years ago
Yes, he should serve time, but life is absurd. This is coming from a firm law and order kind of guy.
E
Eva Villena
12 years ago
Let the poor man free! He seems like a great guy with a big heart!!
I live in California and until watching "Serving Life" I had no idea that these incredibly cruel laws existed in Louisiana. I understand the need for punishment, people have to be held accountable for their crimes. I have lost family members and friends on both sides of violence, being the victim and the victimizer. Still though I cannot agree with a law that puts people behind bars for life with no chance of early release for the crimes of first time second degree murder and especially of being an accessory to second degree murder. This is simply outrageous and heartbreaking. It makes no sense whatsoever to essentially end yet another persons life for what in many cases comes down to a first time mistake. Since watching this documentary I have spent time online reading Justin's and many other peoples stories and have done some research into this mandatory law. I am at a loss over it, has there been any proof that this law has acted as a deterrent in Louisiana? Is it simply there just to get rid of people who have made a bad choice? Just lock them up and throw away the key so you don't have to spend any time or money on trying to rehabilitate even first time offenders? Where is the public outcry over this?! I'm sorry to ask so many questions on here its just that reading about this ridiculous law makes me feel like I've gone insane. It makes no sense to me, there are real people and real families continuing to suffer because of this! Justin and thousands of others don't deserve this! I've signed the petition but is there another way I can be of help to this cause?
Best wishes, Justin
I grew up in a wealthy suburb of Atlanta with two parents that gave me everything needed to have a successful and fulfilled life. However, by my sophmore year of college I felt the needto rebel. Like Justin I made the conscious yet idiotic decision to involve myself with drugs. I put myself in many dangerous situations and lost sight of who I was as a person. It took nearly loosing my life in an auto accident before I realized the devastation my actions caused to myself and those around me. I changed, and I believe anyone given the opportunity to an as well. Mandatory sentences lose sight of the individual. Justin made a bad decision and should pay the consequences, but to deny him the opportunity to atone for those mistakes benifits no one.
Punishment does not fit the crime. He has served long enough but life without parol in unconstitutional. He made a mistake and has paid the price.
Just watched the film. It made me cry.
Justin should not have to serve life in prison for a murder he did not commit. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and i pray you get to go home to your family!
U Have My Vote...Best Wishes & Stay Focused, Stay Positive....."You Can DO THIS!!!":)
I just watched again the documentary about the inmates at Angola serving in the hospice unit. This program touched me. Especially Justin's story.
He should be released. Time served. Very sad and unfortunate.
Justin doesn't deserve this type of sentence. I believe he has served his time already and should be released. If he was in a different state he wouldn't have had that type of sentence. Please free him.
Mr. Granier didn't commit this murder and doesn't need to spend the rest of his very young life in any state prison!! This is totally unfair, and I feel he's their also because he's of mixed race--not totally Caucasian, yes, this is what I'm saying!! This is just un-real, but in the USA many, many un-real things happen all the time. Go for a Presidential pardon from Obama before he leaves the White House, seriously!!
Anything for family cuz....courts need to really look this over they got ot all wrong man. Love and prayers coming your way
I have looked into this case and I believe these mandatory sentences are the ruin of many lives. I believe Mr.Granier is guilty of his crime however i do not believe his sentence fits in any way, shape, or form. He has obviously proven himself as being dedicated to righting his wrong and doing everything possible to serve his sentence in the most admirable way possible. Please reconsider his sentence!
I really hope the courts will see the facts behind the case and reconsider the charges on Justin Granier. After reading his story and the charges filed, I feel that this man needs a fair chance at freedom.
Justin's sentence is too harsh for the crime committed.
Justin needs justice. Paying your dues is one thing, justice is another. He has paid the ultimate price and I've seen people lose it all for one moment. I also was involved in a serious drug related situation. I am free today because justice was enforced. I believe Justin will see freedom one day soon!
Yes, he should serve time, but life is absurd. This is coming from a firm law and order kind of guy.
Let the poor man free! He seems like a great guy with a big heart!!
FREE HIM !