Breaking News: Michigan Supreme Court upholds retroactivity of ruling that mandatory life-without-parole sentencing for 18-year-olds is unconstitutional

People v Poole (MSC No. 166813), decided April 1, 2025
The State Appellate Defender Office celebrates today’s outcome for our client John Antonio Poole. Mr. Poole was sentenced to mandatory life without the possibility of parole for a crime that occurred when he was an 18-year old child. Now a mature and accomplished man in his forties, Mr. Poole has a chance at freedom. 

In January 2024, the Michigan Court of Appeals held that Mr. Poole and all other 18-year-olds sentenced to mandatory life without the possibility of parole are entitled to resentencing. The Court of Appeals found that mandatory death in prison for an 18-year old violates Michigan's constitutional prohibition on cruel or unusual punishment, regardless of the date of the offense. 

In January 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court heard oral argument in Mr. Poole's case. And today, the Court put all questions to rest in a unanimous opinion, holding that Mr. Poole, and others like him, are entitled to resentencing. 

Mr. Poole’s attorney Maya Menlo said: “Eighteen-year-olds are less culpable and more amenable to rehabilitation than adults whose brains are fully developed. Mr. Poole and others like him deserve an opportunity to return to the community." 

Read SADO's full press release here. 

Questions can be directed to Maya Menlo, Assistant Defender, at 313-420-2933.