A Letter from Jason

Hello; my name is Jason Robinson and I’m currently incarcerated at the Hughes Unit in Gatesville, TX. When I was 16 years old I participated in a robbery which resulted in my being convicted of capital murder under the “law of parties”. I’ve been incarcerated since 1994. My first parole date is in 2034.

It’s impossible to explain how my life got so off course at such a young age. There is no explanation I can offer which could rationalize my actions. Regardless of the challenges I faced in life I should’ve made better decisions. My problems, failures, and shortcomings should’ve never spilled over into the lives of other people in the form of crime. The fault is mine, and mine alone. Ultimately the responsibility to make the right decisions falls squarely upon my shoulders. Circumstances didn’t create this tragedy. It was my personal failures which created all of this.

I’ve been incarcerated for over 26 years. When I first entered this system it was filled with corruption and violence. Doing the right thing wasn’t promoted. Rehabilitation was something you had to seek out on your own. I found myself constantly reminded of how my failure to make the right choices cost me everything, and had an enormous impact on the lives of other people as well. I needed to seek change in order to deal with the burdens I was living with. For me, education was the beginning of that change.

I came to prison with less than a 10th grade education. Over the years I’ve obtained my G.E.D., I successfully completed a Windham vocational trade. I graduated with honors from Lee College with two associate degrees, I also graduated with honors from Blackstone Institution taking a course on paralegal studies. I’ve taken classes such as Bridges to Life, Changes, and Peer Education. I currently work as a HVAC technician in the maintenance department. Over the years I’ve learned so much. All of these educational accomplishments have had a significant role in my development from an adolescent into a man.

When I was convicted of this crime I was a first-time juvenile offender. I believe the State was justified in trying me as an adult; and because of my actions, and failure to intervene, I deserved to be sentenced to prison for a very long time. My hope of a second chance isn’t based upon some belief that I deserve one. There’s nothing I could ever do to make amends for what happened. My hope of a second chance is rooted in my prayers for mercy and forgiveness. Your support for this bill wouldn’t guarantee anyone’s release. It would still be up to the parole board to determine if that youth offender has demonstrated growth and maturity; has taken significant steps towards rehabilitation; and whether that offender is now ready to become a productive member of society. The only guarantee this bill would provide is if a juvenile commits a crime, not only are they severely punished, but the rest of their life isn’t without hope. This bill would provide a meaningful opportunity at redemption for all youth offenders who choose to seek it.

Please consider the merits of this bill. The financial implications it could have for the State. The recidivism rate of other states which have passed similar bills. And please keep in mind that this bill will only affect youth offenders which make up less than 1% of the prison population.

We need your support. To condemn a juvenile to life in prison with a shallow hope of ever making parole is to render that life unredeemable before that youth reaches adulthood. I understand the mistakes we made were tragic. But we’re not incapable of change. What good is life without the hope of redemption? Children are greater than their worst mistakes.