Hi! Nadine again... below is a link for transparency and clarity...

Transparency & Gratitude

(Original Story still posted below)

I would first begin with gratitude for those that have thus far contributed to this fund raiser, the purpose of which is to return my uncle Home to our family. Also, for all those (donors or otherwise) who have familiarized themselves with the material below. Additionally, I wish to thank those of you that have spread word of this to others, that they may do the same.

Perusing this page you will now notice that where once there were numerous examples of positivity, growth, accountability, knowledge-gifting and charity, evidence of character, concrete reasons to pledge your support, there are now mostly black boxes that say, “this video is private.”

I, myself, went about obtaining the footage from the production company, primarily for our purpose here, but further, to highlight the work of not only my uncle, but others that were/are part of that program. The only reason that certain organizations are watermarked in the videos is for courtesy and acknowledgement of the opportunity given these men and women. Theirs is a contribution to society being overlooked, downplayed and now, blocked.

We are unable to elaborate further as we are now semi-constrained from doing so. Suffice it to say, that the Florida Department of Corrections was/is so threatened by the inspirational rays of hope, so concerned that this vehicle might bring truths to light favorable to Dante and others like him, so diametrically opposed to showcasing this progress (as it runs counter to their budget narrative), that they took legal action against the organization that hosted these performances, despite it being the FDOC themselves that authorized the recordings thereof.

This wonderful organization operates within the prison system at the sufferance of the administration, which is able to dismiss their program - without notice - from all institutions. So, out of fear of depriving so many other prisoners that are working, developing, rehabilitating themselves as a result of receiving from the vast depth of benefits provided by this selfless Not-for-profit, that when I heard of it I felt compelled to remove the works so as to remove this groundbreaking program from the FDOC crosshairs.

Unwilling, however, to be derailed from propelling my uncle down the track to Home, I am reduced to the written word, with which, if you will indulge me, I will endeavor to articulate the injustice our family faces as we fight to get Dante heard, in the pursuit of justice; in the pursuit of Home.

Beyond the illustrations previously laid before the critical thinker, consider that three distinct laws/statutes/decisions have been affected in such a way that any of them, taken individually, would rightfully, legally, constitutionally necessitate a new trial and/or resentencing.

Not to say an automatic release; but rather, enable Dante to be heard and afforded the same constitutional protections encapsulating others. Others that are not prevented from raising their voice due to the lack of retroactivity that Dante suffers under. The same lack that the recent amendment to the Florida Constitution (interestingly, itself not retroactively applied) has sought to rectify.

This is not based on justice nor security of the State, but rather budget considerations and gridlock avoidance. I will do my best to reduce the legalese to layman’s as I ask you to consider the following:

• One of the above-mentioned issues is the law that Dante was harshly sentenced under, which has been completely rescinded by the legislature. The absence of this unconstitutional law would have enabled introduction of the myriad mitigating factors for sentence reduction to be entered into the record and considered. Including, but not limited to, a) this was a first offense; b) the deceased is on record as the aggressor; c) Dante was in compliance with all laws and regulations related to his license/permits; d) after retaining counsel, he turned himself in and duly cooperated with all tests and investigative processes. Due to the now-defunct statute, these things were overlooked and the maximum (arguably excessive) sentence applied. One that leaves no possibility of parole or reduction.

• Another of the judicial revocations is a jury instruction so flawed that it was completely removed (as it nullified the discretion of and jeopardized the clarity of understanding for the jury), that it will never again be used in that most critical portion of the trial – jury deliberations. The very bedrock of our right to fair trial. Dante was likewise affected by this violation, but denied recourse to address it.

• The “Stand Your Ground” statute, which grants more levity to victims of attack – like Dante; when in a place they have a lawful right to be – like Dante; and in compliance with all applicable regulations – like Dante – – all of which are factors present and displayed on the face of the record.

In short, because of the duration of time passed before the courts chose to acknowledge that the application of the first two points is unjust, and that the third is a constitutional right, they claim that my uncle is now out of time to address them, no matter how unjust the outcome. One of these windows was missed by a mere nine months, costing him – and us – over 20 years of his life. An injustice that continues unabated.

Even a more recent ruling that he would be eligible for, time-wise, that would have afforded him relief, is inaccessible to him, due to the presence of the first issue, although that law no longer exists.

Taken in totality, before even considering his growth, development, character of what he’s become, the lives he has touched and the youth redirected to a positive path, these scream of a manifest injustice to be rectified,

Thank you for taking your time to read this, as we truly, experientially, understand how precious every moment with family is. Anything in the way of support, be it donations, word of mouth or any type of exposure helps to cast light on the situation.

My family thanks you.

ORIGINAL STORY

Hi! My name is Nadine – called ZZ or Zed – by my loving Uncle Alli, that most know as Dante (or Billy). It is on his behalf that I organize this fundraiser. I am now 35 years old, a Healthcare Administrator, the single-mother of Dante’s 3-year-old grandnephew, Jaden, whom he has never met. My own father went to prison when I was 4 months old. My uncle was the father-figure in our Home.

Until, in 2002, when I was only 12 (and my sisters and brother were 13, 10 and 9, respectively), my Uncle Alli – Dante – was forced to defend (fully licensed in compliance with the law), against an attack that ended in the mortal demise of one assailant. At the end of a trial that has now been conceded by the courts to be fundamentally flawed, Dante was sentenced to two consecutive natural life sentences, to serve a minimum mandatory 50 years before being eligible for parole (which no longer exists in the State of Florida). This raising is for the opportunity to reconcile what the courts have made clear is an injustice.

Despite the distance between us, to know me is to know that My Uncle Alli holds a special place in my heart for eternity. I cherish the memories we’ve shared and look forward to creating many more in the future. I admire his strength, resilience and accomplishments, and I believe in his ability to overcome the obstacles he’s currently facing - with your help.

A full 50% of the population knows someone that is incarcerated. However, this raising is not an issue of you determining the ‘rightness’ or ‘wrongness’ of the incident that resulted in a legal case. Rather, it is about the preservation of the fundamental principle that the entire Justice System stands on – a fair and impartial trial by a jury of one’s peers. Incidentally, this is exactly the aspect of the Court’s ruling that places Dante’s entire conviction in question.

The only question to your conscience, is if it can tolerate abandoning a man that has proven his worth to family, friends and strangers alike, to spending the remainder of his life in the penitentiary - under a conviction that has been openly admitted to be an unfair determination of guilt – simply because he lacks the resources to pursue the process.

Thank you for reading this far. My family and I truly appreciate it. Again, this fundraiser is not to compel you to weigh the merits of the case, but to ensure that the merits areheard. To that end, every donation will go directly towards the necessary research and preparation for the court filings. I will have regular status/progress updates posted as the information comes available.

Below are but a few of the accomplishments that Dante has attained in the more than 22 years he has been held in the Department of Corrections. More impressive is the fact that for those with life sentences, participation in most programs are severely restricted.

I hope that you too find value in these and are motivated to contribute, whether by tax-deductible donation, sharing, or simply word-of-mouth. All of it helps.

Even the smallest amount allows you to leave words of encouragement, and encourages others to do the same!

From my heart, I Thank Each and Every One You,

Nadine

From Dante's Mentors:

Kathie Klarreich, Founder & Director, Exchange for Change

Original Document

Accomplishments:

Don't Shake The Spoon (Contributor) ("Revision" + 1 more)

Video: The story behind Don't Shake The Spoon

Introduction To Options Trading (Developmental Editor)

"Why I Write" (Live Graduation Performance)

Other Articles, Certificates & Letters