On March 17, 2023, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed SB64 into law, making New Mexico the 27th state to end life without parole as a sentencing option for children and giving life and long-sentenced youth who have experienced positive transformation an opportunity for release. This victory was the result of over five years of relentless advocacy led by the family members and loved ones of those serving these excessive and extreme youth sentences.
(De)serving Life was born from this policy campaign, and now provides the services we know to be necessary to ensure a meaningful opportunity at parole for those impacted and to invest in the success of people as they return home to our community. Together, we are building the bridges for people to go from serving life to living it.
News Archive: The Fight to End JLWOP in New Mexico
(De)serving Life: A community led parole preparation project for New Mexico
How New Mexico’s Second Chance law will actually be used
July 07, 2023 / Source New Mexico
“Just an Opportunity to Come Home”
Illinois, Minnesota, and New Mexico this year abolished sentences of life without parole for juveniles. Now comes the hard part.
June 29, 2023 / Bolts
Offering Second Chances asks us to expand our circle of compassion
Bringing people home after they’ve committed harm doesn’t throw out public safety, advocates say.
March 28, 2023 / Source New Mexico
With Second Chances signed into law, advocates want better programming on the inside
People change despite prison, not because of it, advocates say
March 27, 2023 / Source New Mexico
Second Chance law represents a chance for transformation, healing
How one mother of an incarcerated teenager came to advocate for other families
March 24, 2023 / Source New Mexico
Juveniles Locked Up for Life Will Get a Second Chance in New Mexico. But the State Must Locate Them First.
A new law will grant parole hearings for prisoners given life or long sentences as children. But our reporting showed that New Mexico officials weren’t aware of at least 21 “juvenile lifers” in the state’s custody.
March 22, 2023 / Pro Publica
March 18, 2023 / CNN
March 17, 2023 / Albuquerque Journal
March 13, 2023 / Albuquerque Journal
New Mexico Has Lost Track of Juveniles Locked Up for Life. We Found Nearly Two Dozen.
New legislation would require the New Mexico Corrections Department to help schedule parole hearings for prisoners given life sentences as children. But the agency wasn’t aware of at least 21 “juvenile lifers” in its custody.
March 10, 2023 / Pro Publica
N.M. Supreme Court reaffirms children’s capacity for change
As lawmakers prepare for final vote on Second Chance bill, state Supreme Court highlights children’s redemptive potential
March 7, 2023 / Source New Mexico
NM Senate moves to abolish life without parole for children sentenced as adults
Offering a ‘flicker of hope,’ some Republican senators convinced to support Second Chance bill
February 23, 2023 / Source New Mexico
February 22, 2023 / Albuquerque Journal
February 2, 2023 / Albuquerque Journal
Second Chance bill has better chances to pass than in previous years
Santa Fe DA backs legislation and prosecutors’ group to stay neutral following negotiations, further compromise
January 30, 2023 / Source New Mexico
August 27, 2022 / Las Cruces Sun
January 30, 2022 / Albuquerque Journal
Advocates press to give juveniles a ‘Second Chance’
Santa Fe DA backs legislation and prosecutors’ group to stay neutral following negotiations, further compromise
December 27, 2021 / Albuquerque Journal
October 7, 2021 / Youth Today
September 24, 2019 / Searchlight New Mexico