Seattle Clemency Project

Immigration Defense: Seattle Clemency Project's Immigrant Post-Conviction relief works with the Northwest Immigrant RIghts Project to identify individuals who may be able to terminate deportation with post-conviction relief from old criminal convictions. In 2022, Seattle Clemency Project's Immigrant Post-Conviction relief program was contacted by approximately 20 individuals seeking assistance, 10 of whom were matched with pro bono attorneys and deportation was stopped for 3 individuals. We also conducted two pro bono lawyer training sessions. Through our work on this program, we have generated about $800,000 in pro bono legal services since 2018 and continued to grow our partnership with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, as well as several major law firms and corporations in Washington State. In addition, we work in partnership with Washington Defenders Association to provide pro bono lawyers with legal expertise on post-conviction relief.

Early Release from Prison Program: Our early release program matches individuals who are good candidates for early release from prison through either the clemency, prosecutor-initiated resentencing or the juvenile parole board processes. Legal counsel is not appointed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford a lawyer through these processes, so having an advocate is essential for getting meaningful review and relief. In 2022, we matched 25 individuals with pro bono attorneys to go through the clemency, prosecutor-initiated resentencing or juvenile board process. By the end of 2022, our total number of people release from life or long sentences rose to 82. We generated over $1 million in pro bono legal services in 2022.

Re-Entry and Mentoring Program: The Reentry and Mentoring Program seeks to help each client heal and prosper by assisting in the creation of individualized reentry plans that include referrals to housing, employment, counseling, addiction treatment, training / education, and pro bono legal support. The program begins when the case is being prepared by pro bono lawyers to see early release from prison and continues through release, ensuring each person has a solid support system throughout their transition back into the community. We provide individualized support upon reentry, connect clients with other organizations for targeted support needs and conduct twice monthly mentoring sessions that offer resources and training for participants. In 2022, we supported over 40 individuals in pre-release reentry planning, provided continuing post-release contact and support for over 75 individuals and provided direct financial assistance to over 30 individuals.