24 to Life Season 1 Episode 4 One Bad Choice

24 to Life is a riveting true-crime docuseries that follows the stories of people who have been sentenced to 24 years or more in prison. Each episode takes an in-depth look at the events that led to their incarceration, and the emotional toll of spending such a significant portion of their lives behind bars. Season 1, Episode 4, entitled "One Bad Choice," focuses on a young woman named Leslie who made a critical error in judgment that resulted in a life sentence.

The episode begins with a montage of news clips about the crime Leslie committed. Viewers learn that she was a high school student living in a tight-knit Florida community when she got involved with a group of young men who were involved in drug trafficking. One day, they asked her to drive them to a nearby city to pick up a large quantity of drugs, promising her a substantial cut of the profits. Desperate for money, Leslie agreed to help them.

As they were driving back to their hometown, they were pulled over by the police. The drugs were discovered, and Leslie and her companions were arrested. Despite the fact that she had no prior criminal record and had not been involved in the planning or execution of the drug deal, Leslie was charged with trafficking. Under Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing laws, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Through interviews with Leslie, her family, and the attorneys who represented her, viewers gain insight into the events leading up to the crime and the aftermath of her arrest. Leslie describes feeling trapped by her circumstances, with few opportunities for employment or financial stability. Her family members express shock and disbelief at the severity of her sentence, given her limited involvement in the crime.

As the episode unfolds, viewers learn more about the complicated legal and social issues that contribute to the over-incarceration of young people like Leslie. Experts in criminal justice reform discuss the flaws of mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which take decision-making power away from judges and can result in disproportionate sentences for low-level offenders. They also explore the role that poverty and lack of access to education and job opportunities play in trapping individuals in cycles of crime and imprisonment.

Ultimately, "One Bad Choice" is a heartbreaking but important episode that sheds light on the devastating consequences of America's current criminal justice system. Through Leslie's story, viewers are forced to confront the human toll of harsh sentencing policies and the urgent need for reform. Despite the tragic nature of her circumstances, Leslie's resilience and determination offer hope for a future in which young people are not stripped of their lives for one mistake.