In 2014, Andre Lee was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was released in November 2024 after spending almost a decade in prison for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute. Mr. Lee was sentenced to 40 years in prison as a habitual offender because he had prior drug convictions. Under today’s laws, this sentence would be illegal.
Mr. Lee went to prison and got to work. He was a leader in his carpentry certification class, mentoring other students and graduating with the highest GPA. He dedicated himself to sobriety and education about addiction. He received only one rule violation and even when he had earned the maximum early release credits for education allowable, he kept attending classes simply to learn.
After nearly a decade in prison, a lawyer litigated his right to have his sentence reduced, but his new sentence of 20 years left him facing another 10 years in prison. Innocence & Justice Louisiana represented him before the parole board. The board praised his accomplishments and voted to release him shortly after his resentencing.
Mr. Lee left prison on November 4, 2024 after nearly 10 years of incarceration.
