Barbara Brooks’s son Jeff is imprisoned for life because of non-violent crimes, and she works tirelessly to change the controversial Three Strikes sentencing guidelines.
“Even though my son is in prison, Jeff is the first of our family to graduate from college, and I am so proud of him,” she said.
Barbara Brooks is the publisher of the newsletter Sentencing and Justice Reform Advocacy (SJRA). She attended her son’s graduation from Patten University at San Quentin on June 24. He was valedictorian of his class.
“I started the Advocate in 1996, when my son was given a life sentence for a non-violent crime,” Brooks said. She also wanted to inform the public about Three Strikes law. Brooks began her paper on a shoestring budget and when she was in a corner of the world, all by herself.
“At first I did it for the love of my son,” said Brooks. “But I quickly learned that there were many others sentenced under the Three Strikes law for non-violent crimes.”
After further study of the Three Strikes law, Brooks said she discovered it was originally designed for violent felons only. “Then came the politics which included any felony,” said Brooks.
For further information, visit www.SJRA1.com or write PO Box 71, Olivehurst, CA 95961.