Who is the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition?

Our mission is to reverse the trend of mass incarceration in Colorado. We are a coalition of nearly 7,000 individual members and over 100 faith and community organizations who have united to stop perpetual prison expansion in Colorado through policy and sentence reform.

Our chief areas of interest include drug policy reform, women in prison, racial injustice, the impact of incarceration on children and families, the problems associated with re-entry and stopping the practice of using private prisons in our state.

If you would like to be involved please go to our website and become a member.


Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Public Defender Skeet Johnson Retiring

Growing up with his parents and two brothers in the projects of Chicago - in an atmosphere of intimidation "where you didn't know what was going to happen next" - Skeet Johnson says he was surrounded by love at home.

"My mother was a steadying influence. She vowed that the streets wouldn't get us," Johnson recalls.

And his dad, a chauffeur to wealthy Chicagoans, was "the strongest man I know."

Johnson, 59, retired this month after nearly 23 years as a lawyer with the Colorado State Public Defender's office, representing in court those accused of crimes.

The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar recently awarded Johnson its 2007 Alvin Lichtenstein Life Achievement Award for his "remarkable accomplishments."


The Denver Post

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