INMATE ASKING OPINIONS ABOUT SECOND CHANCES

To the editor:

This is Mike Lemmons. I have been incarcerated since November 1995 for some
very terrifying stuff. I was also very much under the influence of drugs
(LSD). I know that's no excuse, but it's true. If I would have never been
on drugs, I would never have stolen a car in the first place (especially
with people in it).

I was never in trouble with the law before this., other than a curfew
violation when I was 17. By the way, I was 18 when all this happened. I've
always had a job. And just for the record, I have been drug free since
November 1995. And it's not because I can't get it either. It's because
that's what got me where I'm at now.

The reason I'm writing "Your Opinion" is to get some people's opinions.

Do you think people deserve second chances? The courts sentenced me to 32
years with 12 years suspended. (Which means I have to serve 20 years, but
with good time, I get out in 10). I've got six years in, plus I've been in
school since my incarceration.

I've got my G.E.D. plus other certificates. Even went to college for a
while - until they moved me to another prison. I'm not asking them (the
courts) to just cut me free. I just want to be home with my family. They
could give me house arrest. I would still be serving my time.

So that's why I wrote this letter - to see if anybody thinks that I deserve
a second chance. Either way, please write to me and let me know what you think.

Mike Lemmons, DOC #980147

3 on 6 J

Pendleton Correctional Facility

P.O. Box 30, Pendleton, IN 46064