Ricky Banks was arrested in 1997 for selling two rocks of cocaine to an undercover officer. Mr. Banks was given a mandatory life sentence because he had prior convictions. The circumstances that had led him to that moment didn’t matter to the judge, nor did any of his personal qualities: the law allowed life.
Mr. Banks worked hard during his incarceration. He focused on learning and taking programs. He worked in the kitchen for nearly a decade and received a written commendation from prison staff for his service and work ethic. He became a trustee, he went to church, he received family visits, and he exercised. He became known for his reliability, his positive attitude, and his friendly demeanor.
In 2021, a law passed giving people sentenced to life for non-violent crimes a chance at parole after serving 15 years. Innocence & Justice Louisiana represented Mr. Banks at his parole hearing, and the parole board saw that he deserved another chance at freedom.
Mr. Banks was released on May 31, 2024, after nearly 27 years in prison.
