Missouri Man Serving Life Sentence For Marijuana Faces First Parole Hearing

Jacob Redmond

Well-Known Member
A Missouri man serving out a life sentence for what he believes is a victimless crime faces his first parole hearing this week, thanks to a limited commutation granted by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.

Jeff Mizanskey became ensnared by Missouri's three-strikes law in 1993 when he was convicted of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 7 pounds of marijuana. He previously pleaded guilty in 1984 to possession and selling an ounce and in 1991 to possessing 2 and 3 ounces, U.S. News reported.

Many believe his life sentence is an injustice, and his son launched an online petition that gathered nearly 400,000 supporters.

Rather than a pardon or commutation to time served, Mr. Nixon, a Democrat, decided in May to make Mr. Mizanskey eligible for parole, which his original sentence did not allow, U.S. News reported.

Mr. Mizanskey is set to go before the state parole board on Thursday.

"It's not a sure thing, but I'm optimistic and I think everyone who's familiar with the system is optimistic," said attorney Dan Viets, who will represent Mr. Mizanskey at the hearing, U.S. News reported.

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News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Jeff Mizanskey, Missouri man serving life sentence for marijuana, faces first parole hearing - Washington Times
Author: Jessica Chasmar
Contact: Contact Us - Washington Times
Photo Credit: Change.org/Chris Mizanskey
Website: Washington Times - Politics, Breaking News, US and World News
 
I hope that Mr. Mizanskey is granted parole, he should never have received a life sentence without parole, even though he should have received a pardon or at very least a commutation. We need the room occupied by all of the citizens held prisoner for such nonviolent 'crimes' so that corrupt politicians, business leaders and cops have a nice place for extended stays.
 
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