The practice in the criminal justice system over the last few decades has been giving longer sentences. For many people given a life sentence, for example, the desperation of incarceration becomes very apparent. I have witnessed so-called “lifers” erode over the years into case studies of the institutionalized.

As for my own story, I was convicted of a murder charge after a second trial in 2009 and given a life sentence. I too could have given up. However, I had an epiphany. My life was still not over. I could choose to overcome my limitations and do the best I could with the situation I was in.

In the subsequent six years I achieved over 50 prison educational certificates, underwent a mental health rehabilitation, became a prisoner advocate as well as began a writing career. I found a new meaning and purpose for my life. My example is one of many. Now that the Washington State Supreme Court has abolished the death penalty, the next phase is sentencing laws to be further examined. People should be given a second chance.

Naveed Haq

Airway Heights