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After 36 years behind bars, Paige Spears is finally on the brink of freedom—but the wait isn’t over yet. In a case that has captured the attention of justice advocates, Spears, who was sentenced in 1985 for a liquor store robbery in which no one was harmed, has endured an arduous legal battle to secure his release. Now, despite winning both a commutation of his sentence and parole, administrative delays mean he remains in prison, waiting for his home plan to be approved.
Legal Eagles has been a vocal supporter of Paige Spears, advocating for his release through letters to the governor and raising awareness of the injustices in his case. Now, with every passing day, the final step—securing approval for his transition home—feels like an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle. We are calling this the Countdown to Freedom.
A Sentencing Error That Stretched Decades
Spears’ legal journey is one of extraordinary injustice. Initially sentenced to 40 years for the robbery conviction, a clerical error led to an inconceivable 1,001-year sentence. The mistake effectively condemned him to die in prison for a crime that did not result in injury, a punishment grossly disproportionate under Missouri law. Spears has spent decades fighting this error, enduring repeated denials and legal setbacks.
Missouri’s sentencing laws have long provided mechanisms for commutation, parole, and clemency, particularly for cases of excessive sentencing. However, in Spears’ case, it took an extensive advocacy effort to bring his plight to the attention of those with the power to correct it.
Governor’s Commutation: A Step Forward, but Not Enough
In response to growing pressure from legal advocates, including Legal Eagles, Governor Mike Parson granted a commutation of Spears’ sentence before leaving office. However, instead of outright granting his release, the commutation only made Spears eligible for parole. He then had to go through the additional hurdle of appearing before the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.
Spears successfully demonstrated his rehabilitation, earning the board’s approval for release. However, Missouri law requires that an individual’s home plan—a structured plan for housing and reintegration—be reviewed and approved before release. Despite having a stable home plan to reside with his mother, Spears now faces further delays while the Department of Corrections processes this final step.
A Justice System Moving Too Slowly
Missouri law grants the governor broad clemency powers under Article IV, Section 7 of the Missouri Constitution, allowing for sentence commutations, pardons, and reprieves. However, the way in which Spears’ commutation was structured—allowing only for parole eligibility rather than outright release—has resulted in continued bureaucratic delays.
While parole is often granted in cases where an individual demonstrates rehabilitation, the home plan requirement can create unnecessary obstacles for individuals who have already served excessive sentences. In Spears’ case, the delay now extends to an estimated two weeks—an agonizing wait for a man who has already spent decades longer in prison than he should have.
The Final Countdown
Legal Eagles has been in contact with Paige Spears, who remains in prison despite having won his release. Each day that passes underscores the inefficiencies of the criminal justice system and the need for reform. For Spears, every additional moment behind bars is a reminder that even after securing justice, the system continues to delay what should be a straightforward process.
We will continue to monitor his case and advocate for his immediate release. The fight for justice does not end with a parole grant—it ends when Spears walks free. Until then, the countdown continues.
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