Derrick Carter received a life sentence when he was only 17 years old. Fifteen years later, he’s creating an online STEM (science, technology, education, and math) academic program for students who have fallen behind due to Covid-19.

Despite his contributions to society from behind bars, Mr. Carter was recently denied re-sentencing, even though both the judge and the DA felt there was merit in his case. The victim also wants him released.

Your voice matters. Please take a moment to change the life of Derrick Carter.

Copy and paste the letter below and email it to the D.A., or print it out and send a copy to the L.A. District Attorney’s Office. Don’t forget to include your return address, and please share your own personal experiences and feelings about this topic.

Email: https://da.lacounty.gov/contact/email

George Gascón
Los Angeles County
District Attorney’s Office
211 West Temple Street
Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Copy and paste the following:

Dear Mr. Gascón,

I am writing to plead for the release of Mr. Derrick Carter from Kern Valley State Prison.

Mr. Carter received a life sentence when he was only 17 years old. Fifteen years later, he is a different person, as we all are when we grow into adults.

Not only has Mr. Carter bettered himself, but he is actively contributing to the betterment of his community, even from behind bars. For example, Mr. Carter is currently developing an online STEM (science, technology, education, and math) academic program for students who have fallen behind due to Covid-19.

Despite his successful rehabilitation, Mr. Carter was recently denied re-sentencing, even though both the judge and the D.A. felt there was merit in his case. The victim also wants him released.

People like Derrick Carter do not belong in prison. In fact, keeping Mr. Carter behind bars does a disservice to society. Most importantly, it denies Mr. Carter the humanity and rights with which we are all endowed.

Mr. Carter has served enough time. No one deserves to spend the rest of their life in prison for mistakes they made as a child. Please do the right thing and advocate for Mr. Carter’s release.

Thank you sincerely for your time,

[your name]