Trump commuted my sentence

Hello, my name is Robert Francis, and President Donald J. Trump commuted my sentence.
 
I am asking for donations to help me obtain financial independence after receiving a commutation of my federal prison sentence from President Donald Trump. Therefrom, I was immediately released from prison after completing 20 years of a life sentence.
 
I was given life in prison for my involvement in a nonviolent drug offense due to the unjust broken judicial system. As a result of the systemic problems we face, I suffered from the trial penalty. Before proceeding to trial, I felt coerced by the prosecutor into surrendering my fundamental Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial and was offered an overly punitive plea deal. I declined the deal and decided to continue with my fate to what I thought would be a fair and appropriate trial and sentencing. Unfortunately, that was to my demise. My unduly harsh sentence was life in prison.
 
I have three children, all of which were under ten years old when I left. I became very passionate to continue appealing the decision and fight for my life, as I had so many people depending on me. I quickly depleted any financial resources and felt defeated after countless denials of my motions, petitions, and requests for appeals. I decided to dedicate my years in prison advocating for myself as I studied the law. I received numerous education and vocational certificates and benefited greatly from the programs designed, facilitated, and implemented for men in prison. I was motivated by a friend to seek legal assistance from an attorney who helps prisoners that paid the price for not yielding their right to trial. She read my case and felt that I deserved a second chance at life. She connected me with two other attorneys that she thought would be a great match. They, too, believed my life sentence was not commensurate with the crime and wanted to provide me with the legal representation, advice, and supplements to my clemency petition- pro bono. This gave me a greater chance at seeing my children and grandson as a free man.
 
I have always had a driving work ethic and will continue helping those in prison, with the hopefulness that they too will have a second chance. My work in prison was gratifying because I could assist with supporting others to advocate for themselves. I was embracing that this may be my call to duty. Whom better than someone who lived through it. It devastates me that so many just accepted the faith that they may never come home and gave up on life, even though the decision was unjust. I was one of their most prominent advocates in understanding their rights, making recommendations from reading case studies, and never accepting any compensation for my time and assistance. Giving my time and service was especially important because most people have no financial means for an attorney, and their sentences are overly punitive. Many had no family or friends to support them, and I knew the importance of brotherhood, togetherness, and camaraderie.
 
I began my initial request for clemency under the Obama administration and received a rejected commutation letter on January 06, 2017. However, I continued reaching out to criminal justice advocacy groups and writing letters to anyone whom I felt could provide assistance. I never gave up because I did not want to languish in the prison system like many others. I was faced with countless challenges but continued pushing forward regardless of the defeats. Though I fell victim to our judicial system, my faith, and optimism to be reunited with my loved ones never wavered. I was resilient, and my spirit was never broken, which increased my passion for never giving up my fight for freedom. I give all praises to God for my strength and mental toughness.
 
After President Trump was sworn into office in 2017, I filed my second request for clemency. On January 20, 2021, after serving 20 years in prison, President Donald Trump felt that I deserved a second chance at life and commuted my life sentence, and I was released from prison. President Trump recognized my extensive rehabilitation efforts, highlighting my spotless disciplinary record, and that I was ready to integrate back into society. I was one of one-hundred and forty-three that were granted clemency.
 
I have missed so many of my children's birthdays, milestones, accomplishments, as well as the burial of both my beloved parents. I have truly paid my debt to society. I have amazing energy, and I am very optimistic about life. I am kind, generous, benevolent, and compassionate. I am always happy to share my time, attention, and help anyone, regardless of how little I have.
 
I am delighted to be home. Though my release has been exceptional and historical, the reality is setting in. My release during a pandemic creates unique obstacles. I am faced with a continual status of financial hardship. I know that I have a difficult uphill battle to rebuild my life. I will need basic life necessities to acclimate to my new life as I re-enter society as a returning citizen. I estimate that I will need six months to secure a home, transportation, food, and all things necessary for independence. During this time, I will be continuing my education, obtaining employment to support myself, and seeking counseling. 
 
My future endeavors are unclear, but please know that any support received will be paid forward through my passion for giving back. I am immensely grateful for you taking the time to read my story. Thank you in advance for helping me with a second chance at life.
 
https://www.ballardspahr.com/eventsnews/pressreleases/2021-01-22-ballard-spahr-lawyers-secure-commutation-for-pro-bono-client