Juneteenth and the Fight for Fair Sentencing
Juneteenth and the Fight for Fair Sentencing
Juneteenth commemorates the June 19, 1865 emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in Texas—an important milestone in U.S. history. But that date also reminds us how the promise of freedom was delayed and how that delay echoes in today’s justice system. As communities observe Juneteenth, it is essential to reflect on how historical injustices connect to modern sentencing practices and ongoing reform efforts in Washington State.
The Legacy of Delayed Freedom
Juneteenth marks the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation—two and a half years after it was signed—highlighting how liberty has often been deferred for marginalized groups. That historical delay mirrors contemporary cycles of over-incarceration tied to policies such as mandatory sentencing, racial profiling, and inequitable drug enforcement.
Washington State Reforms in Focus
Three-Strikes Law Amendments
Washington enacted the first “Three-Strikes” law in 1993, mandating life without parole on a third “most serious offense.” The law has disproportionately affected Black and Indigenous communities, with racial disparities noted as recently as 2023. In 2019 and 2021, Washington removed Robbery 2 from the “strike” list and made the change retroactive—helping some previously excluded individuals—but substantial racial disproportionality remains.
Sentencing “Second Look” and Juvenile Reform
Following Miller v. Alabama, Washington introduced “second look” resentencing for individuals sentenced as juveniles to life without parole. This has helped hundreds obtain release or resentencing, reflecting a national shift toward rehabilitation and review over permanent punishment.
The “Blake Fix” — Drug Possession Law Changes
In State v. Blake (2021), the Washington Supreme Court struck down the felony drug-possession statute for lacking a knowledge requirement. The legislature enacted SB 5536 in 2023, reclassifying drug possession and public use as gross misdemeanors and emphasizing treatment over incarceration. This shift has led to the vacating of over 114,000 prior felony convictions as of early 2025—an unprecedented step toward meaningful criminal record reform.
Why Juneteenth Prompts Reflection on Fair Sentencing
Juneteenth celebrates emancipation, yet modern legal systems continue to impose constraints reminiscent of slavery—especially upon people of color. Consider the following:
- Mandatory sentences and the Three-Strikes law can trap people in extreme punishment cycles.
- Second-look sentencing for juveniles represents a path toward redemption—fitting the Juneteenth narrative of renewed freedom.
- Drug law reform under the Blake Fix aligns with the spirit of Juneteenth by reducing the punitive reach of outdated laws and offering real avenues to relief and restoration.
What Remains to Be Done
Despite progress, several key areas still require reform:
- Judicial discretion: Restore judges’ ability to tailor sentences and depart from rigid guidelines.
- Racial disparities: Implement targeted solutions to address unequal enforcement and sentencing across race and ethnicity.
- Expanding treatment: Continue investing in diversion and recovery programs instead of incarceration.
- Record clearing: Ensure courts have resources to process Blake-related petitions and other record relief efficiently.
How Your Law Office Can Help This Juneteenth
The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer is committed to the values of fairness, second chances, and individualized justice. We can:
- Advocate for resentencing or vacatur under juvenile and Three-Strikes reforms.
- Assist clients in clearing convictions under the Blake Fix.
- Challenge unjust or excessive sentencing through motions and strategic litigation.
- Represent individuals in cases where freedom and equity are still at stake.
Juneteenth is more than a holiday—it’s a call to examine whether freedom is truly available to everyone. In Washington, legislative and judicial changes represent important steps forward. But continued advocacy is essential to ensure that liberty, justice, and dignity reach all people—especially those disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.
Contact the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer
If Juneteenth moves you to seek justice, we are here to help. Whether you’re trying to clear an old conviction, challenge an unfair sentence, or start fresh, our office is ready to stand with you. Contact us today for a consultation at (360) 334-6277.