I was wondering if anyone know any possible route for a violent offender to take for a sentence reduction or appeal? The offender was party to a homicide when he was 17. He was tried at age 18, and tried as an adult and sentenced to life without parole. Three others were involved in the same crime, and they were each punished as juveniles, and given lesser sentences. The crime took place in the state of Missouri, and the 5 boys (victim included) were all under the influence of drugs at the time.

Does life without parole really mean life without parole, or is there a certain time when parole can still become an option? I do not think that the inmate does not deserve to serve time; he made a horrible decision, even though he was not in control of his full faculties at the time, and time behind bars is the appropriate punishment. A lifetime with no parole for a 17 year old, however, is unbeleivably hard.

Life without parole means life without parole. There doesn't come a time when parole is a possibility. However, he can work on appeals and maybe he can have some hope that way. And like that old saying goes, "where there's life, there's hope". It sure does seem like a very hard sentence for someone so young. I hope he can get some relief through the appeal process. My prayers are with him.

I am Allen's Mom. His story is similar to the one you tell. I thought their sentences were too long. Life without parole for a 18 yr old is unbeliveable. People make mistakes and have to pay for them, but to not give a child a second chance is so unfair. He has not even started living his life or been able to show his potential. Please seek any means for appeal. My thoughts and prayers are with you.