MEET THE FOUNDER - Evelyn Castillo-Bach
The organization Balanced Justice Network – Changing the System was launched in August 2023 by our founder Evelyn Castillo-Bach.
Her decision to launch this organization was born from her belief and conviction that at a minimum it is morally wrong, judicially unethical, and fiscally irresponsible to insist on the life imprisonment of a defendant who was offered a 5-year plea deal and has served 22 years with an exemplary record.
It is her hope and expectation that Balanced Justice Network will galvanize others to support the release of her son.
It is also her hope Balanced Justice Network will grow to advocate on behalf of others who warrant a second chance.
Her mission?
First: Bring attention to the sentencing imbalance in her son’s case which led to a life sentence after he rejected a 5-year plea deal because he believed that innocent people don’t take plea deals.
Second: Garner public support for the immediate release of her son who is deserving of a second chance.
Third: Raise public awareness of the imbalance in the plea bargain system.
“In general while some difference between the sentence offered prior to trial and the sentence received after trial is permissible, a substantial difference undermines the integrity of the criminal system and reflects a penalty for exercising one’s right to trial. This differential, often referred to as the trial penalty, should be eliminated.”
Fourth: Lend support to other families in their efforts to achieve balanced justice.
Fifth: Privately advocate for other defendants and accept new cases.