Michael Romano

Over two years ago, Derrick was recommended for early release by prison staff, wardens, and the Secretary of Corrections due to his “exceptionally meritorious” conduct while incarcerated over the past two decades. Last week, he walked free.

Late last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law six criminal law reforms developed and recommended by the Committee on the Revision of the Penal Code and Three Strikes Project.

Sometimes the frustration, sadness, and anger from setbacks can be as inspiring for the Three Strikes Project to work harder for clients and keep pushing for systemic reform.

CRIME STORY has received permission to re-print Michael Romano‘s newsletters from Stanford Law School’s Three Strikes Project whose mission is to reverse the most unjust criminal sentences. Romano and his colleague Susan Champion were interviewed by Amanda Knox for CRIME STORY and you can find the podcast and the transcript of that interview here. You can find a story about Romano’s participation in a U.S. Congressional field hearing on criminal justice reform here. After serving 27 years for stealing a VCR, Michele was released from the Central California Women’s Facility—thanks to amazing work from Three Strikes Project student Rachel Glanz (‘21), Staff Attorney...

Alwin Smith's sentence was ultimately rescinded when both the department of corrections and district attorney’s office agreed that his life-term was no longer warranted or "in the interests of justice."

Fernando Rocha's life sentence has been vacated based on "exceptional conduct" while in prison.