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Updates from the September 2018 Clemency and Pardons Board hearings...

 

Four clients receive 4-0 recommendations for clemency!

Recommendations for Commutation
 

Edward Steward was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2006.  The Clemency and Pardons Board found Mr. Steward's genuine remorse for his past actions and extraordinary growth in prison compelling.  Additionally, the board, sentencing judge and prosecutor all found Mr. Steward's sentence, which was three times longer than his equally culpable co-defendants, greater than necessary.  The board unanimously recommended commutation!
 
Katie Watson represents Mr. Steward.
 
Frank Angehrn was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on a three strikes case 24 years ago.

Despite his life sentence, Mr. Angehrn found the courage to overcome his severe drug addiction, become a leader at work, commit to positive growth, and stay closely connected with family over the past 24 years.  

The Clemency and Pardons Board recognized that a life sentence no longer fits the man Mr. Angehrn is today and unanimously recommended commutation!
 
Jennifer Smith and Tim McGarry represent Mr. Angehrn. 
 
Percy Levy was sentenced to 24 years in prison in 2003.  Mr. Levy's sentence after trial was five times longer than the sentences his co-defendants received after they pled guilty.  Despite his weighty punishment, Mr. Levy decided his sentence was not going to define him and found redemption through education. After being recognized as a star student, Mr. Levy rose to become a leader in prison, promoting education and reform in the prison system.

At Mr. Levy's clemency hearing, the board was impressed by the number of highly credible people who spoke about Mr. Levy's authentic personal transformation and their willingness to support Mr. Levy upon release.  Mr. Levy's extraordinary growth and community support led to a unanimous recommendation for commutation!
 
Harry Schneider, Elvira Castillo, Carolyn Gilbert and Kiyomi Robinson, from Perkins Coie, represent Mr. Levy.
 
 
Recommendation for a Pardon

Tacy Hass, from Foster Pepper, represented a woman who committed a felony theft over 20 years ago.  Since that time, Tacy's client raised her daughter as single mother, graduated from college and earned a graduate degree in social work.  She uses her education to give back to the community and help those in need.
 
Tacy's client is not a United States citizen, so although she paid her debt to society long ago, her conviction carries immigration consequences.  If the Governor follow's the board's unanimous recommendation to grant the pardon, Tacy's client will be free from the threat of deportation.
A huge thank you to all the SCP lawyers for bringing your clients' stories to light and paving a path to freedom!

If at first you don't succeed...

One case did not receive a positive recommendation this time, but there is hope for the future.

Harry Alexander appeared before the Clemency and Pardons Board last December, seeking commutation, without counsel. The case was continued so the prosecutor's office could have more time to make a recommendation.

Jon Zulauf took up Mr. Alexander's case in midstream to ensure he would have representation during his final hearing.  Jon supplemented Mr. Alexander's original petition and secured the support of the prosecutor's office.

Unfortunately, however, the impression made during Mr. Alexander's initial hearing could not be overcome and the board declined to recommend Mr. Alexander for clemency.

But this is not the end of the story! The board encouraged Mr. Alexander to apply again in the future, and thanks to Jon's work, Mr. Alexander is set up well for success when it's time to try again.

REMINDER: The work of the Seattle Clemency Project is only sustainable with your help. We are currently working to raise money to hire a development consultant so that we can continue to fill a critical need for representation through the clemency process. 

You can help and every penny counts! Click here to support SCP and remember share our fundraiser with friends and family.

Thank you to all our volunteers and donors!
You make all the difference!

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Copyright © 2018 Seattle Clemency Project, All rights reserved.


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