Since a grand jury failed to indict Darren Wilson after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, mass demonstrations against racial discrimination in the justice system erupted across the nation. The case, which garnered national attention, brought to light the condition of African Americans in the hands of prosecutors and the grand jury system.
In a recent article, Workers World announced that the rate of African American incarcerations continues to climb in the United States.
A History of Segregation & Oppression
This is especially true in states that have a longstanding record of racial segregation, such as Missouri. Even after the Civil War, the United States justice system continued to practice mechanisms that oppressed and exploited the descendants of enslaved African Americans.
Following the Civil War, proponents of racial equality made great strides during Reconstruction. However, many African Americans face the same barriers as their ancestors. Today, the same system of that thwarted African American civil rights in the past remain in place, even in the absence of segregation laws. In fact, these barriers have only become more complex.
Recent Study Substantiates Injustice
A recent study revealed that more than 60 percent of individuals incarcerated in the United States are African American or Latino. While these numbers cannot reveal the motivations of an entire society, many researchers believe that they demonstrate a deep level of racial injustice.
The same study showed that the biggest gap in incarceration rates is between African Americans and Caucasians. In fact, compared to white males, African American men are five to seven times more likely to be incarcerated.
Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyer Responds
Nicole Chiravollatti, a criminal defense attorney at The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, spoke out against these patterns of injustice. “If you are a person of color in the state of Missouri, and you have been charged with a crime, you absolutely cannot maneuver the system on your own,” she said. “The cards are stacked against you in this state because of your race.”
According to Chiravollatti, it is imperative for African Americans facing criminal charges to retain a skilled, experienced, and understanding legal representative to advocate for them in court.
She said, “You must hire an experienced, compassionate attorney who understands the dysfunctional and biased criminal justice system in Missouri. The Hammer Law Firm is here to help!”
If you were arrested, speak to a St. Louis criminal defense attorney from the Hammer Law Firm, LLC today. Initial consultations are always free, so call our office today to schedule your first meeting with one of our lawyers.