At age 15 Efrén Paredes Jr. was convicted to life without the possibility of parole. Now, 20 years later, Efrén receives a public hearing. Hear him speak about his journey through the last 20 years and how he waits for his upcoming hearing:

Over the last twenty years, Efrén's family and supporters have developed a campaign (The Injustice Must End) to fight for his freedom. Check out their blog and write to the Michigan Parole Board to support his release. 

Efrén is one of more than 2,000 juveniles in the United States (the only country in the world with such practices) who have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Learn more about Juvenile Lifers on myspace or at the TIME Campaign's website. 

What are your thoughts on young people being given life sentences?  Share your story here: