An Indian woman whose harsh sentence has drawn criticism will get an early parole hearing in Oklahoma.

Patricia Spottedcrow, 26, was sentenced to 12 years for selling $31 worth of marijuana to an undercover police officer. Although she had no prior criminal record, she faced additional charges because children were present in the home.

A judge reduced the prison term by four years but critics say Spottedcrow was treated differently because she is Indian. Her attorney at the time has since been convicted in connection with his handling of an related case.

Spottedcrow's new attorney, Josh Welch, now hopes to make the case for early parole. She's due to appear before the state Pardon and Parole Board in April, The Tulsa World reported.

Spottedcrow, who is Cheyenne, has four children, according to news reports. Her mother, who was also convicted for selling drugs, was given a 30-year suspended sentence.

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Oklahoma parole board agrees to give Spottedcrow, guilty seller of $31 in pot, early hearing (The Tulsa World 2/16)