In 1990, Clarence Simmons was arrested for being in possession of a stolen camera and tripod. Even though he was not accused of stealing the equipment, and even though it was returned to its owners, he was convicted and given a life sentence under Louisiana’s habitual offender law.
Innocence & Justice Louisiana secured his release in 2021, advocating to a judge that Mr. Simmons’s trial lawyer was ineffective in representing him and in allowing a life sentence to be imposed for such a petty crime.
Mr. Simmons was released after serving more than 31 years in prison. He was 88 years old.
