The Legal Aid Society, in conjunction with the CUNY School of Law Defenders Clinic and Fordham School of Law Criminal Defense, secured clemency for a 58-year-old client, Juan Serrano, who has served more than 22 years in upstate prison, reports the Daily Mail. Mr. Serrano was convicted in 2000 for his role in a series of burglaries for which he expresses strong remorse. Over the course of more than two decades of incarceration, Mr. Serrano has worked steadfastly to address mistakes of the past and his lifetime of substance abuse. Upon his release, Mr. Serrano will live with his wife in Brooklyn and work as a bible study teacher.

‘He has embraced religion, gained a number of vocational skills to prepare as a productive member of society upon his release, and is considered a leader amongst his peers. Upon re-entry, Mr. Serrano will reunite with his wife and assist with the healthcare of his ailing elderly mother. We are overjoyed that Mr. Serrano will have a second chance at life.’