In the United States, habitual offender laws have contributed to decades-long sentences for thousands - many of whom committed nonviolent crimes. The law is often referred to in prison simply as “the bitch.” In this episode, the Colorado Radio for Justice team breaks down Colorado’s version of this statute - Seth Ready, Ryan Conarro, and Herbert Alexander, whose bank robbery resulted in his own staggering 64-year habitual sentence. They invite Herbert’s mother and family to share their journey to Herbert’s crime, and the emotional toll of his virtual life sentence.

This episode features Kristen Nelson & Dan Meyer, Spero Justice Center; Rosemary & Jim Devney, Herbert Alexander’s mother and stepfather; Chrissy Bautista, Herbert’s sister; and Shauntye Alexander, Herbert’s wife.

HABITUAL is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice.

Executive Producers: Herbert Alexander and Ryan Conarro

Hosts and Producers: Herbert Alexander, Ryan Conarro, and Seth Ready

Lead Writer: Ryan Conarro

Editors: Ringo Joon, Lucy Richardson, Herbert Alexander, & Ryan Conarro

Music composition: Xavier Gauthier

Mastering Engineer: Tongjai Lee

Graphic design: Mayela Cardenas

Vocal Coach: Mare Trevathan

Production of HABITUAL was supported in part by Colorado Media Project, a funding collective fiscally sponsored by Rose Community Foundation. Special thanks to Spero Justice Center and to Chuck Murphy, Investigative Editor at Colorado Public Radio.

HABITUAL is an original documentary podcast. This series includes limited excerpts of third-party media, such as news reporting and archival materials, used solely for purposes of journalism, commentary, and public interest analysis. These excerpts are selected carefully, used sparingly, and presented with additional reporting, context, and critique.

Any such material is incorporated in a transformative manner and only to the extent necessary to support factual storytelling, including the examination of legal systems, media narratives, and the lived experience of those directly affected.

HABITUAL relies on fair use as defined under 17 U.S.C. § 107 of U.S. copyright law. All rights to third-party materials, including news and media content, remain with their respective owners.

This episode includes the following sources:

• WCBI News, “Three Strikes Law.” http://youtube.com/watch?v=YoRB1In2Zpg
• 1800NoCuffs, “What Is the Three Strikes Law?” http://youtube.com/watch?v=YoRB1In2Zpg
• Greenwood Law, “Still Doing Time: Sentencing Enhancements for Repeat Offenders” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTrSOWxdkGU&t=540s
• New York Times Retro Report: “Three Strikes & You’re Out: After 20 Years, Is the Law Working?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_hTTiT0ATA

Stay engaged with HABITUAL and Colorado Radio for Justice:
https://www.radioforjustice.org/habitual

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