My fight for freedom.
Donation protected
Hi everyone, my name is Stephen Whittle, I am 22 years old, and this is my fight for my freedom. In 2018 I was charged and jailed for possession of marijuana, a herb that is used medicinally and recreationally in other parts of the country. Since then, I've worked relentlessly and consistently to pay the outrageous fees and fines given to me.
When the pandemic started in early 2020, the justice system became even more confusing just as every other aspect of life. They failed to have a clear plan of action for my case and my future, resulting in years of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety.
I am now being forced to turn myself in due to failure to pay the large monthly payment, a payment that I upheld for as long as I could, but the way of the world the past 2 years has made making enough money to feed, clothe, and house myself increasingly more difficult.
Instead of helping a young man grow into a productive member of society, the justice systems blatant disregard of responsiblity and their hypocrisy has forced me into a corner. Instead of going on with my life and spending what short time I have with my friends and family, I've had to put growth on the back burner.
I've had to work multiple jobs at once, resulting in many sleepless nights as well as missing valuable time I could've spent with my loved ones, but I've tried to keep a positive outlook on life, knowing that if I fulfill the requests given by the State of Texas I may be able to go back to a regular life.
Unfortunately despite my efforts, they want to lock me away for years, years that I'll never be able to recover. Years I could be spending with my mother and father, my sisters and friends.
I am asking for help to get a proper attorney to defend me, an attorney who will treat me like a person instead of a paycheck and a number. No one should be in prison for marijuana, and I believe the way my case has been handled is the true injustice. Please keep my family and I in your prayers, lift us up and allow God to work through our family, and thank you all.
Organizer and beneficiary
Stephen Whittle
Organizer
Chandler, TX
Appriel Whittle
Beneficiary