Pro Bono Client Granted Parole

A Paul, Weiss pro bono client was released from prison after serving more than thirty-two years in connection with the sale of narcotics in upstate New York in 1980. Despite his record as a model inmate and his numerous accomplishments while incarcerated, the client, an honorably discharged Vietnam veteran, was denied parole nine times between 2002 and 2012, due largely to organized and inaccurate opposition by a police benevolence association.

On December 20, 2012, a unanimous panel of the New York Appellate Division, Third Department, granted the client's appeal and overturned his most recent parole denial, ordering that the state parole board disregard any erroneous opposition and grant him a fair hearing. On February 26, after his tenth appearance before the parole board, the client was granted his release.

Paul, Weiss, along with Legal Aid, has represented the client since 2007. The Paul, Weiss team included associate Jesse Crew, who argued the appeal.