Donte West’s story is a cautionary tale of how a felony conviction can have life-altering consequences. Where he’s from, a felony is not freedom. The consequences of a felony conviction extend beyond employment; it can affect everything from child custody to naturalization. In this article, we’ll explore Donte’s journey, the injustices he faced, and how he overcame them to start his own cannabis brand.
Donte’s Story
Donte was pulled over for having dirt on his license plate in March 2017. The police followed him and his friends, eventually finding less than a gram of marijuana in the second car traveling with him. Instead of arresting them or letting them go, the police instructed them to “clean off their license plate” so they could continue monitoring them. Donte was eventually found guilty when a witness claimed he intended to buy a pound of cannabis from him.
The injustice of Donte’s case is evident in the statistics. Although marijuana usage is equal among black and white people, black people are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession. Kansas Black incarceration rates are the 11th highest in the nation. Donte was sentenced to 8 years in Lansing Correctional Facility for less than a pound of marijuana, a sentence that would have lifelong consequences.
The Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction can have a long-lasting impact on one’s life. It can affect employment, housing loans, banking loans, child custody, driving privileges, right to own firearms, naturalization, college admissions, healthcare licenses, and even renting and leasing. In Donte’s case, he had to choose a foster family for his younger brothers, as he knew he would no longer be able to help support them.
Donte’s Fight for Freedom
Donte knew he had to fight to keep his family together. While incarcerated, he studied law, wrote letters to state representatives and senators, and worked to find every avenue that would lead him out of prison and back into his brothers’ lives. His letters simply asked to endorse his sentence reduction consistent with other people and statistics he had discovered.
In the State of Kansas, statistically 95% of people with no criminal history caught with a pound of marijuana get probation; 5% go to prison. The 5 percent Kansas sent were all minorities. Donte was able to retrieve character letters from his city mayor back home, professional athletes, and doctors to prove he was a pillar in the community to no avail. The judge made a statement, “There is no man that is going to come in my county and pollute our community with marijuana. This is a gateway drug and quite frankly, you’re going to serve time for it.”
Donte’s Release and Exoneration
In late April of 2019, large-scale testing began in Lansing Correctional Facility where Donte was kept, indicating over three-quarters of the inmates were infected with COVID-19. The Department of Corrections asked the governor to release prisoners near the end of their sentences in order to provide some level of social distancing. Governor Laura Kelly took no action. Meanwhile, Lansing is one of the two most expensive prisons for taxpayers in Kansas at $32,053 per person per year.
Donte was eventually exonerated in 2021 after a judge ruled the prosecutors had withheld an arrangement with the state’s key witness to avoid prosecution. Against all odds, Donte was able to start his own cannabis brand, West by Illicit, which is now available at participating stores.
The Importance of Fighting for Justice
Donte’s story highlights the importance of fighting for justice. His case is just one example of the many
injustices that occur within the criminal justice system. It’s important to advocate for change and work towards a system that is fair and just for all.
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it’s important to seek legal representation from experienced and knowledgeable attorneys. They can help navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the best possible outcome.
In addition, it’s important to stay informed and educated about the criminal justice system and the issues surrounding it. By advocating for change and staying informed, we can work towards creating a more just society for all.
Donte West’s story serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of a felony conviction and the importance of fighting for justice. We must continue to work towards a fair and just criminal justice system, and support those who have been impacted by its injustices.
