All the ways being white helped me avoid prison : The Marshall Project

All the ways being white helped me avoid prison
The Marshall Project by Jennifer Jordan
September 13, 2018

As a young, educated white girl, I confused everyone I encountered in law enforcement. Before I exited the courtroom, Judge James told me that, despite my felony convictions, he felt I would best serve my community from outside a prison cell. After so many chances already, I was given one more, and yes, I felt very lucky. Nearly 14 years later, luck is no longer the first word that comes to mind, however. When I consider how I avoided nine years in prison—instead getting three years in probation—the word I think of now is privilege.

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