In 2001, Jim Howard was arrested for selling two rocks of cocaine. He had two prior convictions from 10 years earlier, but the law at the time allowed the prosecutor to seek a life sentence based on his criminal history. Under today’s laws, with only two prior felony convictions, this sentence would be illegal. But Mr. Howard went to prison with no hope of release.
Over the next 20 years, Mr. Howard developed an esteemed reputation amongst prison officials and other incarcerated people. He earned Class A trustee status and maintained an exemplary conduct record. He stayed close to his family.
In 2021, the Louisiana Legislature passed a law recognizing that people serving life sentences for non-violent crimes should have the opportunity to prove their readiness for freedom. People who had served 15 years were eligible for a parole hearing. Mr. Howard was one of the first people to have a hearing under this new law and was granted parole by a unanimous panel of the board in 2022 after nearly 20 years in prison.
