A Second Look Can Change Lives

The Redemption Project of Washington (RPW): Redeeming Systems and Transforming Futures

RPW is a partnership between the Washington Defender Association (WDA) and the Seattle Clemency Project (SCP), with support from the Office of Public Defense (OPD).

The mission of RPW is to increase access to counsel, ensure defenders have resources to deliver effective advocacy, and provide reentry support in trial-level post-conviction cases.

Incarcerated people who have borne the brunt of mass incarceration deserve meaningful review and adequate support to transition back home in resentencing cases. RPW seeks to build a new infrastructure to carry out the Second Look Resentencing Pathway reforms and relief from unconstitutional convictions created by Washington State courts and the Legislature.

About Us

Why RPW

Resentencing cases, also known as Second Look cases, are more relevant in the criminal justice system than ever before. These cases provide an opportunity to address some of the damages caused by mass incarceration.

This healing can only be done if the incarcerated population receives communication about remedies available to them and if defenders are supported with the legal resources required to do the work.

Seattle Clemency Project (SCP) and Washington Defender Association (WDA) are building that support into the post-conviction process by directly supporting defenders and the incarcerated population they serve.

Our Services

Success Stories

Marcus Price

In 1994, Marcus was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole under Washington’s Three Strikes Law. After serving 27 years, he was granted clemency and resentenced under Senate Bill 5164. Since his release, Marcus has joined the Seattle Clemency Project as the organization’s Reentry Navigator. He is also a public speaker, a mentor to people released from prison, and a parent and grandparent. Marcus is full of joy and optimism for the future and approaches each day with gratitude for his second chance at life.

Brandon Pedro

Brandon was just 19 years old when he was sentenced to over 20 years in prison. During his incarceration, he experienced immense personal growth and has proven to be a role model for his 16-year-old son. With the help of volunteer attorney Michelle Stamnes, Brandon was resentenced under Senate Bill 6164 and released from prison. Brandon has since reunited with his family and shares his work ethic, strong character, and leadership with the community. He currently works as a Community Safety Specialist for a growing community organization.

Son Krouch

With the help of the Seattle Clemency Project’s (SCP) Immigrant Post-Conviction Relief (IPCR) Project, Son successfully vacated a past conviction and had his removal order to Cambodia terminated. He is a father of four and owner of an auto repair shop in Mount Baker. Since the vacate, “life has opened up” for Son and his family, and he is in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Son believes his SCP advocate team and volunteer attorney Braden Penhoet will “be in his life forever.” He is looking forward to enjoying life in Seattle, the place he has lived all his life.

Resources

RPW Services

New Advocacy Model

The new advocacy we are building is revolutionary. We will center the client’s life experience. We will engage the community in the process. We will reveal new information to defenders, prosecutors, and judges about how people change and experience redemption in prison. This new approach to the trial-level system will be transformative and healing for all.
Resources for Community Members

We offer workshops for people in prison to prepare them for the resentencing process and working with their attorneys.
Most of all, we center the needs of the people we serve, making sure those who have transitioned back to the community have mentoring group support and community-building opportunities.
Support for Attorneys

With the proper support, attorneys will be equipped to bring their clients home and heal some of the damages of mass incarceration. We’re here to make those resources available.
We provide a central hub for attorneys to access individualized case support, mitigation support, and reentry and transition planning support. We offer defender training on resentencing cases and instructions on how to represent someone who has been incarcerated for many years.