A Veteran's
Call for Justice
Join us in asking California authorities to resentence Michael Vanderwood, a 26-year Navy veteran and University of California professor whose case highlights how trauma was not fully considered in the justice system at the time of his sentencing.
Key Takeaways
Prior Record: Zero criminal history before or after this incident.
Charges added: Additional charge of torture added after rejecting a 4-year plea.
Conviction: Sentenced to 7-to-life for torture after a 2014 domestic assault.
Ignored Trauma: Mitigating factors like veteran PTSD and medical illness were dismissed.
Legal Shift: Modern laws now mandate the trauma considerations he was denied.
California Law on PTSD
In California, Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be considered in sentencing under Penal Code section 1170.9, which provides an alternative sentencing option for certain justice‑involved veterans who have PTSD or other service‑related mental health issues.
The PTSD law now clearly states that assault is part of military trauma. The law now also states that prosecutors must consider trauma during plea negotiations, and this did not happen in Mike’s case. Again, multiple psychologists argue that Mike’s behavior was clearly and directly influenced by his prior trauma.
Parole Paradox
Consider putting in each parole board reason for denying parole and timeline.
Denied release due to amnesia, a direct symptom of his recognized PTSD.
Help Us Get Justice for Mike
Contact Us
Have Questions or Want
to Help?
If you have questions, want to support Mike Vanderwood’s case, or need more information, we’re here to help.