After 26 Years, A Juvenile Lifer Deserves a Second Chance
- Donations are needed to secure the release and successful
reintegration of Patrick A. Peterson. The funds raised will go
toward legal representation for a sentence modification or any
related court hearing, and for preparing adequate housing and
reentry support as part of an approved release or parole plan. Any
excess funds will only be used for Patrick’s benefit and
reintegration.
Patrick was arrested in July 1999 at the age of seventeen, following the tragic death of his father – a case that his codefendants described in their statements as being gang-related. It should be noted that one of those codefendants came forward years later and admitted in a signed and notarized affidavit that they had agreed to make false statements against Patrick. This is not mentioned to re-litigate those events, rather to point out that there are discrepancies to the narrative which only those who were directly involved know the entire truth to. - Like many youth exposed to instability and negative influences,
Patrick’s actions reflected the immaturity, pressure, and confusion
of adolescence rather than the judgement of an adult. At no stage in
his legal proceedings was his age or developmental stage ever
considered as a mitigating factor. This violates the spirit of the
U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings in Miller v. Alabama and Montgomery v.
Louisiana, which recognize that youth are fundamentally different
from adults in terms of brain development, impulse control, and
potential for rehabilitation. The Court held that life sentences for
juveniles must be reexamined with these factors in mind.
Today, Patrick has outgrown the behaviors of his youth and demonstrated true rehabilitation. He became a certified dog trainer through Chippewa Valley Technical College while volunteering for three years in a community program that trained service dogs for people in need. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Small Business Entrepreneurship through Milwaukee Area Technical College with a 4.0 GPA and was on the Dean’s List every semester. He also received a certificate in Building Blocks of Well-Being and is now continuing his education at the University of Wisconsin–Stout, working toward a Bachelor’s Degree.
Patrick’s progress reflects the very principles these Supreme Court cases uphold—that young people can change, mature, and contribute positively to society if given the opportunity. Others in similar circumstances, such as recently released juvenile lifer Andre Bridges from Milwaukee County, have returned to court and received sentence modifications after demonstrating rehabilitation and readiness to reenter society. Patrick deserves that same chance.
Your donation will help secure qualified legal counsel to advocate for a fair sentence review, ensure that Patrick’s youth and growth are properly considered, and prepare a stable plan for his return to the community. Funds will also support transitional needs such as housing, employment readiness, and education. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring Patrick closer to the freedom and future he has worked tirelessly to earn.
Justice should not end with a sentence—it should evolve with growth, change, and accountability. Patrick has proven his commitment to all three. With your support, we can help him take the final step toward redemption and a productive life beyond prison walls.
