Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Criminal Legal Reform – ACLU of Virginia – Legal Perspective
Sincere Allah was sentenced to 45 years in prison shortly after his 18th birthday. Facing a potential death sentence, he accepted a plea deal and spent 24 years in prison. He was pardoned by Gov. Northam and released on January 14, 2022.
While incarcerated, Sincere not only learned new trades, but also took business courses through UVA’s Darden School of Business and sociology and economics classes through Washington & Lee University.
He even designed his own program on personal growth for a therapeutic community, led by incarcerated people. The pilot program he helped to create later expanded to 11 different VADOC facilities, supporting people with mental health and substance use disorders.
Since his release, Sincere continues to help people work through trauma and substance use disorders as a certified peer recovery specialist. He works alongside the ACLU of Virginia and other organizations to advocate for people who are incarcerated and help lawmakers understand the harsh realities of the criminal legal system.