Jacqueline Montanez’s sentence overturned

This month we heard the good news that Jacqueline Montanez’s sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole has been officially vacated.

We have been campaigning for clemency for Jacqueline Montanez for a number of years. Jacqueline was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for a crime committed when she was just 15 years old. This sentence meant that Jacqueline was destined to spend the rest of her life in prison, no matter how she changed as she grew up.

Jacqueline had been tried as an adult, meaning that the sentence was mandatory following her conviction, and the court could not consider her young age, history of abuse, or potential for rehabilitation. This is contrary to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read more about Jacqueline’s case

Now, with her sentence of life without parole officially vacated, Jacqueline Montanez is currently at Cook County jail, waiting for her re-sentencing hearing. This hearing will determine what her sentence will be, and when she may finally be released.

Congratulate Jacqueline on the news and wish her luck

Send a card or letter of support to Jacqueline at her new address:

Jacqueline Montanez
ID No. 2015-0303227
PO Box 089002
Chicago
Illinois 60608