SAN ANTONIO – Many trafficking and domestic violence survivors end up behind bars for crimes they committed on behalf of or in response to their survivors.
That’s why advocates have worked tirelessly over the years to create a process for those survivors to be granted pardons.
Dr. Cathy Marston is one of those advocates. Years ago, Marston served time in prison for crimes she said were directly related to her abuser.
“It’s been a real nightmare. The emotions of having the cuffs slapped on you instead of your abuser,” she said.
Marston was thrilled in February 2020, when Gov. Greg Abbott announced a path to clemency for survivors. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles created a clemency application specifically for survivors of abuse and trafficking.
Project Partners
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Through our Youth Sentencing Project, we provide direct strategic litigation on behalf of youth who were tried in the adult criminal legal system and given extremely long prison sentences, particularly those sentenced to life without parole.
Youth should be held accountable for their wrongdoing in developmentally appropriate ways that consider their age, individual characteristics, and specific circumstances of their cases.
Our staff litigators take the lead on a limited number of cases every year, selecting those that have the potential to influence system-wide change. Last year, LSJA was involved in 13 cases challenging the transfer of youth (either as lead counsel or in a technical support role) and won 12 of these cases.
