Schulte Pro Bono Team Secures Early Release Under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act

Schulte Roth & Zabel’s pro bono team worked with The Second Look Project for the last two years to fight for the early release of our client Michael Newman, under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act, which provides a sentence review procedure for young offenders serving lengthy prison terms. Mr. Newman served over 30 years in prison for his involvement in a crime committed when he was just 21-years old. We are ecstatic to share that last week, the Superior Court of DC granted Mr. Newman’s motion for early release. 

The Schulte pro bono team successfully argued that Mr. Newman’s role in the crime was a result of childhood trauma that left him impulsive and impressionable. The Court agreed that during his imprisonment, Michael changed substantially, now demonstrating maturity, rehabilitation, and a fitness to reenter society. The Court found that Michael poses no danger to the community and that the interests of justice warranted a sentence reduction.

Schulte was extremely grateful to inform Michael and his family of his release and humbled to be present when he was reunited with his family. Schulte partner Charles Clark stated, “This win for Mr. Newman is the result of a lot of hard work by a number of folks at Schulte.” Charles led a team that included associates Ashley Cardenas, Greg Devaney, Kyle Hendrix, Braden King and Hamdi Soysal. 

Learn more about The Second Look Project.