CAN-DO is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit foundation that advocates Clemency for All Non-violent Drug Offenders. To achieve this goal, we intend to help people that have been wrongfully or unjustly convicted in drug "conspiracy" cases. The repercussions of a single injustice spread unnecessary suffering to all the innocent family members and friends. Moreover, the impact on a child that loses a parent – especially a mother – to incarceration yields horrible consequences and perpetrates a vicious cycle of negative behavioral patterns.

Mission

CAN-DO advocates executive clemency for federal prisoners convicted of drug crimes. The criteria for cases that CAN-DO will give top priority to, consists of:

1. Women who were targeted by the government because their husband, boyfriend or family member was actively involved in some form of drug dealing. Many women are ensnared by the conspiracy statute not because of their participation but due to their proximity and/or refusal to work with the government to build a case against the actual culprit.
2. Individuals who have served seven years or more and fit in one of the following categories.
• Certain individuals who acted as a minor participant but were fingered by more culpable co-conspirators that received a lesser sentence.
• First time offenders. When minor priors exist, an explanation of how these infractions occurred will be provided.
• Anyone who is serving a life sentence who was clearly not the “kingpin,” especially if the convicting evidence consisted of hearsay testimony.
• Some individuals serving 10 or more years who can demonstrate that they had horribly ineffective assistance of counsel.
• Select cases where prisoners have served ten years or more and have a clean record of conduct and have demonstrated a strong will to rehabilitate themselves by completing “The Drug Program” and/or a series of rehabilitative courses or programs offered in prison.

CAN-DO has access to numerous cases, many of which are presented on this website. By sharing these cases, CAN-DO hopes to generate public concern that will lead to relief for prisoners via the clemency process.

These individuals are serving sentences that are outrageously disproportional to most crimes of violence based upon statistics provided by the Department of Justice. Also, the policy to target women has changed, possibly due to “The Drug Sentencing Reform Act” (S.1874) introduced by Senator Jeff Sessions on December 20, 2001. One section of this bill, which is still pending, addresses the egregious sentences given “to girlfriends and wives of drug dealers who engage in illegal activity out of misplaced affection, devotion, or fear.” This bill places a ceiling of 10 years upon women who were associated with drug dealers. However, the women who were prosecuted during the timeframe 1987 through 2000 will never benefit, even if the bill passes.

CAN-DO will network with Washington Lobbyists and the Entertainment Industry to raise awareness and support for Clemency Petitioners who have meritorious cases worthy of Executive Clemency.

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