Clemency for Shea: Right a Wrong Criminal Sentence

Clemency for Shea: Right a Wrong Criminal Sentence

Started
July 3, 2021
Signatures: 144Next Goal: 200
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Why this petition matters

Started by Michael Mitchell

Clemency For Shea

The complete history of this case can be found in the above link, which Shea Dease, inmate #1016431 in the VA Dept. of Corrections, created using self-taught HTML code through a series of 20-minute telephone calls with his mom, who performed the data entry on his behalf.

This petition reveals the extreme, and in this case, improper application of Virginia criminal sentencing guidelines.

At 21yo, Shea received a 58-year sentence for Robbery (2 counts—two life sentences, all suspended except for 10 yrs.), Abduction (2 counts—two life sentences, all suspended except for 10 yrs.), Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony (4 counts—three years on the first count, five years on the second count, five years on the third count, and five years on the fourth count for a total of 18 years to run consecutively with each other and the 20 years from the original felonies).  These convictions were given for a BB gun used in the robbery of a Burger King, which does not lesson the seriousness of the crimes; however, the judge could have ran this time concurrently if he knew it was in his power to do so.

Brown v. Commonwealth 284 Va. 538, 733 S.E. 2d 638(2012) found that judges have been misinterpreting the law and ruled that judges have the authority to run this time concurrently with other counts of the same conviction. Thus, Shea’s 18 years for the Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony could have been five years if the judge knew it was in his power to apply the sentencing in this manner.

Rounding out the list of convictions was a $246.76 embezzlement charge, which the judge re-instated a 20-year sentence, exceeding the 2-3 year sentencing guideline.

The co-dependent in the robber/abduction/ firearm case received 13-16 years and has already been released from prison. Shea has served 20 of his 58-year conviction and continues his sentence as an inmate at the Augusta Correctional Facility in Craigsville, Va.

Please consider supporting this petition for Shea’s clemency and help bring awareness to improper criminal sentencing.  Shea is a different person at 40 than he was as a misguided youth. He’s served over two decades in prison and is genuinely repentant for his actions. He’s served his time and is ready to become a productive citizen.

Help him and others like him by advancing this clemency effort.

Thank you!

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Signatures: 144Next Goal: 200
Support now
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