Richards Carrington co-founder Doug Richards recently joined a select group of attorneys in the U.S. who have successfully secured a pardon for a client, effectively wiping away a felony conviction.
For Doug, a criminal defense lawyer, the case began when a client sought help restoring his constitutional right to own a firearm, a privilege he lost after a felony conviction. The man, now in his 50s, had been convicted in 1976 when he was 18 as an accessory to a convenience store robbery in Colorado. He had long ago served his punishment, turned his life around, and was a solid citizen in his community.
Obtaining a pardon is such a rare occurrence that there is no established procedure or legal guidance. Without a road map, the Richards Carrington team set to work assembling a detailed and comprehensive file supporting the request. They gathered letters of recommendation and developed detailed documentation of the man’s work history and his contributions to his community. The file was similar to “mitigation packets” that the firm creates for clients facing criminal charges. The material often proves persuasive in obtaining reduced charges and dismissals from judges and prosecutors.
Once the packet was assembled, the legal team submitted it to Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office and waited. On Nov. 9, the governor’s office announced that the case was among 23 pardons issued in November as the end of the governor’s term approached.
“These individuals have demonstrated that they have moved beyond their mistakes and are committed to taking advantage of the second chance they have been given,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “It’s our belief that they will make the most of this opportunity by doing even more for their families and their communities.”