Dear Governor Newsom,

I hope this letter finds you well.

The sins of my past do not define me today.

To introduce myself in a swift way, I am thirty-one years old with a life sentence. I am actively working on my recovery and my rehabilitation daily; it is not easy in this environment. I have been focusing on becoming a better son, brother, nephew, uncle, and overall better person than I was yesterday. I have belief in myself of being properly rehabilitated, through all the programs, self-help and classes I have taken listed below.

I am writing to respectfully ask for your consideration in reviewing my case and granting me a resentencing. First and foremost, my victim’s family will be most affected, as the closure they received at sentencing will be reopening old wounds. Through my actions and my life, I want to demonstrate that I have been rehabilitated and committed to never returning to the life of crime. Additionally, my own family has been affected by the emotional and financial burden of supporting me all these years. I fully acknowledge the crime I committed was robbery and I take full responsibility for my actions. However, the circumstances surrounding my conviction have led me to request that my case be reconsidered, as I firmly believe my sentence does not align with the principles of rehabilitation, personal growth and the potential I have shown for change.

I have been incarcerated for seven years, and during this time, I have focused on investing in self-improvement to better myself, not only for my own future, but to contribute positively to the community around me. Looking ahead to the twenty-five-year mark of my sentence in eighteen years’ time, I am faced with the stark reality that, under current laws, I will not have another chance for resentencing until that time. This would be a critical period in my life, and I fear that I will have lost the opportunity to demonstrate the changes I have made and the remorse I feel for my past actions.

Since my incarceration, I have participated in numerous programs, aimed at personal growth atoning for the harm I caused. These programs include:

Victims’ impact, the understanding and empathy of the damage I caused to my victims’ family, business and the community that surrounds the crime which will have the lasting effect of a murder and robbery happening close to home.

Domestic violence, not because of a current personal struggle with this but to ensure I have the tools down the line if I ever needed to cope with issues that might arise. I know the number one thing lifers come back to prison for is domestic violence.

I have taken anger management classes to know what makes me angry and why. This class helped me to learn new exercises and tools for me to deal with problems I might deal with in everyday life. I have learned that anger is a normal human reaction but how I deal with it in a healthy or unhealthy way is what will make a difference during conflicts.

I also actively participate in Alcoholics Anonymous, which can take a deep dive on why I like to drink and escape reality and how I do not want to face my problems.

Through Narcotics Anonymous, my addiction to prescription drugs was the root of my lack of awareness but by far no excuse for the life that was lost.

Through Criminal Gang Anonymous, where I figured out why I chose to get fast and illegal money, rather than doing the right thing.

I have realized that attending these weekly meetings has helped build a better understanding of my past behaviors and to help others on a similar path.

I have been recognized by the correctional health care system as a certified peer support specialist, a role through which I assist fellow inmates by sharing my experiences and guiding them away from destructive behaviors. I can offer my lived experience to other individuals who are going through similar struggles, through my training I can offer them navigation and the right directions for them, if they choose to take for their own recovery.

Additionally, I am on the cusp of earning an Associate’s degree in college, which I expect to complete later this year. Throughout my time in prison, I have maintained a positive disciplinary record, with no write-ups for misconduct, I have remained committed to my growth as an individual and I am proud to say that the last act of violence I have committed was on the night of my crime, I have not engaged in any violent behavior since then.

I am deeply remorseful for my actions and the pain I caused to my victims and their families. I know that no words can undo the harm I have done, but I am committed to making amends through my actions. The opportunity for resentencing would allow me to show that I have rehabilitated and that I am a person who is ready to make a positive contribution to society. Ultimately, I am determined to give back to the world in any way I can. I am not seeking to make excuses for my actions; I understand the pain of a life lost will never fully be erased. However, if granted a second chance, I promise not to squander it.

I respectfully ask for your compassion and reconsideration of my case. The chance to demonstrate that I have changed and to serve a sentence that reflects my transformation would mean the world to me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

-          Savirant Singh Athwal