Today, Explained Life sentence, no trial
May 13, 2019
Max Green, a news producer with WBEZ in Chicago, dives into the chilling case of Terry Allen, who has spent over 30 years in prison without a conviction. The discussion unpacks the little-known rule of civil commitment, raising alarming questions about justice and personal rights. Green highlights the ethical dilemmas posed by the Illinois Sexually Dangerous Persons Act, and sheds light on Allen's struggles with reintegration after long-term imprisonment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges within the criminal justice and mental health systems.
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Terry Allen's Case
- In 1982, 23-year-old Terry Allen met a woman at McDonald's and later assaulted her in her car.
- He was subsequently arrested and charged with deviant sexual assault and unlawful restraint.
Civil Commitment Offer
- Instead of a trial, prosecutors offered Allen a civil commitment for treatment, promising a shorter sentence.
- Allen accepted, believing he would serve no more than a year.
Imprisonment
- After being declared sexually dangerous, Allen was placed in a state prison, not a treatment facility as expected.
- He lived among convicted felons despite not having a criminal trial or conviction.