My Story

Dominique Leonard

Dear Father, Mother, Son, Sister, Brother, Husband, Wife, Uncle and Nephew

 

In the year 2008, as a God-fearing man titled husband, father, son, brother and business owner, I found myself in a legal conundrum. Labeled a criminal defendant inside a courtroom filled with judgmental jurors, my fate rested in their hands. I was not judged by the characteristics that presented me a positive influence within society, to family and friends or the community in which I lived, but by an incident that showed my lack of good judgment. As a consequence, I was sentenced to LIFE in prison. The confiscation of my freedom not only impacted my life, but the lives of my loved ones.

While incarcerated, I spent time self-reflecting envisioning the day I would be released. After serving approximately six and a half years, I attended my first parole hearing. Despite the authenticity of my answers to questions as well as the provision of information requested by my attorney, my PAROLE was DENIED. Two years later, after petitioning the court a second time, I was granted another hearing.

The experience I endured from the first parole hearing made me realize no human being would fight harder for my freedom than myself. I made the decision to dismiss my legal team and show justification why I was a favorable candidate. God’s grace and a sincere heart afforded me the opportunity to be granted parole. My rejection of depending upon others to speak on my behalf sustained my redemption. Sharing my story firsthand with the Parole Board gave me a chance to introduce them to the man I was, not the numbered inmate behind the crime.

Devastated by the denial of parole during my first hearing, I refused to believe my sentence of 9,999 years would be the final outcome. I knew one day I would leave the confined walls of prison. I had faith but also needed a formula I had not yet discovered. The decision to create my own parole plan was the right formula.

Today, I work hard to ensure my clients’ prison sentences are not their final words.

Persistently telling my story gave me another chance at life. “Jus’ Free” offers you a chance to tell your story. Our sole purpose is to help those incarcerated return to society with freedom. Rest assured we will capture the best image of you demonstrating your desire to be free. I once shared the same desire and now am simply “Jus’ Free.”

 

Sincerely,

 

Dominique Leonard