Jeanene Trickett -- 02069-112

20 Years -- Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Jeanine Trickett, prisoner of the drug war
October 22, 1997

I am a "women" prisoner of the drug war. I am a first-time, nonviolent offender sentenced for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. I have been locked up for 4 years on November 4th, 1997. I lost my appeal, I have sent several motions to the courts and they have also been denied. I have no money which means I have no attorney and therefore I have to do my legal work myself. I need help and I don't know where to go for it. My family has been doing everything they can but their hands are tied. With good time my release date is November 28, 2010. If I would have killed someone, I would be almost home free.

June 26, 2001

A Stolen Life

Still In Prison After All These Years


Jeanine Trickett with her family
Eight-and-a-half years to be exact and still counting. I was just thirty-nine years old at the time of my sentencing. My indictment came as a result of testimony provided by an ex-felon who became an informant in exchange for a lighter sentence. In this instance the informant received only probation while I was sentenced to nineteen years, seven months.

As a first-time, nonviolent offender I have been incarcerated with a sentence 200 - 300% longer than those meted out to violent offenders, some murderers, and many "Kingpins" who have served little or no time at all. I represent one of hundreds and thousands of women, men and juveniles across the nation who, under the Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Guidelines for [drug] conspiracy, are serving DRACONIAN sentences of 12, 15, 20 and 25 years to life.

After exhausting all of my available legal channels, I filed for clemency in February 2000. I did so with great anticipation that former President Clinton would commute my sentence to time served. When that didn't occur, I was devastated, destroying my last glimmer of hope. Many of us have served the prison industry for years and we feel we need an "equal" chance for clemency.

Jeanine Trickett with her dad
I have learned my lesson well; and I am appealing to you, the people of these United States and the Federal Government, to give me a second chance ... to be reunited with my family, serve my community and convert this tragedy into something positive.

Please help me and many others by writing to your State Representative, the President, and any other officials in regard to the unfair sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums that put so many first-time offenders in prison for what amounts to a lifetime.

I welcome your comments, prayers and support. Thank you for listening.