Since 1980, the women’s prison population has grown by over 700% – faster than any other population in the country. Over 80% of women entering the legal system have experienced a form of violent victimization – sexual, partner, or caregiver violence. One of them is 61-year-old Michelle West.

Since 1993, Michelle has been incarcerated for merely being associated with a drug kingpin, who was responsible for a drug-related murder which she had no involvement with. Unfortunately, because of the harsh mandatory minimums related to the drug laws of the 1990s, she is facing a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Although the daughter of the deceased has developed an enduring friendship with Michelle, she remained imprisoned.

The Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker returned the power to district court judges to sentence people individually. But according to the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v Booker, if she were convicted of the same thing and sentenced today, a life sentence would NOT be mandatory, and a judge would get to decide what is fair. Unfortunately, that change in the law did not apply to old cases. 

More than 10 prison staffer have written letters supporting her release. She has received monetary awards for her work in resume writing and continuing to take college courses. As a mother, she has even managed her daughter’s career as a high-end fashion stylist. Over half of the women (58%) who enter the prison system are mothers, which often leads to psychological and financial stress for the entire family.

Her story has been featured in documentaries, news stories, and also on the CAN-DO Foundation website. A petition is out on Change.org to send to President Biden to grant her clemency.

Last week we saw the powerful story of Kemba Smith-Pradia and, like Michelle, dealt with these types of circumstances and was granted her freedom. It’s time to do the same for Michelle West!