November 23, 2021

Pacifica Gives Back – The Seattle Clemency Project

Partner Kymberly Evanson is a volunteer with The Seattle Clemency Project. The mission of the organization is to obtain an early release from prison for individuals who have committed a crime and have since transformed their lives for the better while incarcerated. Because Washington state abolished parole in 1984, the prison system has no mechanism to recognize and reward redemption. The Seattle Clemency Project endeavors to fill this gap by matching volunteer lawyers with incarcerated clients who deserve a second chance.

Recently, Kym represented a woman who was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for a low-level non-violent robbery. Over the course of her eleven years in prison, the woman underwent a remarkable transformation, and pursued every educational and leadership opportunity available to her. After a change in the law in 2021, she became eligible for resentencing and release.

Kym represented her in the resentencing process and had the honor of walking her out of prison after she was resentenced to time served. She is now thriving in the community. Kym is now working with another SCP client on a clemency petition.

For more information on The Seattle Clemency Project please visit  https://www.seattleclemencyproject.org/.