Our mission is to end Life Without Parole sentencing in California.
Our goal is to end the Life Without Parole sentence for all those currently serving this cruel sentence no matter the conviction, and to abolish the LWOP sentence altogether. We fight for these goals, working with people currently inside prison, through legislative advocacy, commutations, pardons, resentencing options, and building public awareness about the injustice of the LWOP sentence.
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Felony Murder Rule 101
April 29, 2026
The felony murder rule has sent thousands of people to prison for life — people who deserve a second chance to show their humanity. Join us to understand the laws and the reforms related to the felony murder rule during this beginner-friendly educational session hosted by the Drop LWOP Coalition
📅 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 PM PDT (on Zoom)
REGISTER HERE
What You’ll Learn
Joanne Scheer from the Felony Murder Elimination Project will break down everything you need to know about the felony murder rule and how it relates to Life Without Parole (LWOP), including:
- What felony murder laws mean — and what they don’t
- The penal codes that govern felony murder in California
- How to find out if you or your loved one has a felony murder special circumstance
- Recent reforms that have created new pathways to resentencing
- Common confusing terminology — explained clearly
- Plenty of time for Q&A!
This session is for you if you are:
- A family member or loved one of someone who is incarcerated
- An advocate, organizer, or community member
- Anyone who wants to understand California’s felony murder laws
What’s Next
This 101 session is just the beginning. Following this event, the Drop LWOP Coalition will host a Community Townhall on Felony Murder Reform in California — a deeper conversation about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can organize together to increase resentencing opportunities for people sentenced to LWOP.
FREEDOM BASH
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Formed in 2017 to bring men and women home
Let’s do this!!
To join or get more information click here!
AMAZING NEWS!
The Supreme Court *denied to review* the appellate court’s great decision in People v. Frederickson, which means that reducing the special circumstance for post-1990 specials is allowed (i.e. reducing LWOP to 2nd degree)!!
When the Supreme Court denies a petition for review (denies certiorari), it declines to hear the case, leaving the lower appellate court’s decision in place and binding. In cases like People v. Frederickson (CA), this means the convictions and rulings of the appellate court are affirmed, allowing the lower court’s decision to stand.
California Resentencing Guide for life without parole
Check out our latest publication –
California Resentencing Guide for Life Without Parole
The Resentencing Guide is a collaborative effort of the Drop LWOP Coalition and the UC Berkeley School of Law Criminal Law & Justice Center (CLJC).
Felony Murder: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
John Oliver discusses felony murder, a way you can wind up in prison for murder without actually killing anyone.
interested in whats going on?
Check Out Our Publications!
Want to know more?
Take A Look at Our Groundbreaking Video: Life Without Parole – Special Circumstances and the The Other Death Penalty
This 13-minute video shares the stories of six individuals formerly and currently sentenced to Life Without Parole and their families, highlighting the cruel and arbitrary nature of California’s extreme sentencing laws and calls for long overdue change.
What is LWOP?
The Drop LWOP Coalition works to end Life Without Parole sentencing in California. Our goal is to afford relief to those currently serving this sentence, no matter the conviction, through legislative change, commutations, pardons, and resentencing and public awareness about the injustice of the LWOP sentence.
Get Involved
Connect with us to stay up-to-date with news, information, campaign updates, volunteer opportunities and more!
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