When Troy Williams was 27, he took part in a robbery that involved a kidnapping and was sentenced to life in prison at San Quentin. Over the next 18 years, he went before the parole board five times, and was denied release each time. After his sixth hearing, Williams was released on parole with help from lawyer Keith Wattley, whose group UnCommon Law helps inmates navigate a parole system he sees as arbitrary and needlessly punitive. Forum talks with Wattley, Williams, another parolee and a former parole agent about their experiences. And a week after California voters approved reform to the state’s parole system, we’ll discuss what the coming changes mean to inmates, their families and victims.
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