After committing an accidental homicide, James Alexander was offered a 7-year plea deal. James’ lawyer suggested he fight the case. Following a guilty verdict, James spent 28 years in some of California’s toughest prisons, including San Quentin’s Death Row, with the likes of Charles Manson celled above him. Despite earning a master’s and certifications in electronic technology and as an x-ray technician and drug and alcohol counselor, James’ parole was continually denied. After finally being released, James has become a noted humanitarian, praised by the Dalai Lama as a hero of compassion. He now seeks to reform the prison system by becoming California’s first ex-convict chosen for the Board of Parole Hearings.