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Pro Bono Client Granted Parole Release After Nearly 26 Years of Incarceration
- Client News
- March 2, 2021
Practices
Paul, Weiss obtained parole release for a pro bono client who served nearly 26 years in the custody of New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). In 1996, our client was convicted of second-degree murder and lesser crimes and sentenced to 19 years to life.
During her incarceration, our client worked tirelessly to improve her community and rehabilitate herself, while maintaining a perfect disciplinary record. She earned her B.A. in sociology, and was valedictorian of her class. She also served in leadership positions in her facilities’ college programs, positions through which she helped expand access to these programs to her peers. Dozens of current and former DOCCS employees—including the superintendent of one of her former facilities—as well as currently and formerly incarcerated peers wrote letters in support of her request for release, attesting to her rehabilitative transformation and positive impact on the community. After four previous parole denials, our client was provided a de novo hearing in February, after which she was granted parole release.
The Paul, Weiss team included litigation associate Charles Sucher. The matter was supervised by litigation partner Elizabeth Sacksteder. The client was also represented by Brett Dignam of Morningside Heights Legal Services.