To: Whom have a heart to hear and the willingness to help,

First I would like to thank you for allowing me to write you. I think you for the time, attention, and care you are giving to my family and I. I have petitioned the Governor of Virginia for a Conditional Pardon. I am humbly seeking and asking for a second chance, to lead and live alone worthy of society’s acceptance and my family’s love. I do know and understand that such a request is not a light thing given that I did partake in the crime which brought about my incarceration. I make no excuse for myself, nor for the crime I committed. The only explanation I can give is that, “I was young nave, misguided, and I did not think things through.” At the time of my crime I was 18 years old, under the influence of drunks and alcohol, and following the lead of someone else. I did not consider the harm I was causing both the victims and the their family, nor the impact the consequences would have on my life and the lives of my family. So not only was I young, nave and misguided, but I was also selfish and self-centered. As a result of that crime,I stood trial in three different jurisdictions, sentenced to a combined sentence of 76 years and 18 months (Portsmouth 36 years; Chesapeake 30 years and 6 months; Suffolk 10 years). I had no idea that the punishment I would be made to endure would be so heavy, so unrelenting, and without the possibility of redemption.
I know the crime I committed was wrong. I am truly ashamed of myself and the acts I committed that evening. I wish I were able to undo the hurt and harm I caused to both the victims and their family. But I know I can’t undo the things that I’ve done, yet I am able to learn from them and strive to be a better person. For the past 21 years i had been committed to doing just that: Learning for my mistakes and striving to be better man. I am no longer the misguided 18year old I once were, who was easily influenced into doing the wrong things. I am now a 40 year old man, who has spent 21 years (all of my 20’s and 30’s) incarcerated regretting and learning from the foolish acts of my youth. I have applied my heart to seek wisdom and growth. I have grown - I have matured - and I have aged.I no longer view life from a selfish and self-centered perspective. I know and understand that my actions and behavior doesn’t effect or impact only me, but also those who are or any who my be connected to my life, as well as my choices, whether directly or indirectly.
Having committed a crime, I understand that I must take responsibility for the wrong I committed, and that also means accepting the punishment rendered for the wrong that was done. Yet 76 years and 18 months of incarceration goes beyond the measure of a fair and just punishment. Such a sentence condemns me to a life of imprisonments, and take away any hope of someday redeeming myself from my worst mistake. Therefore, I write you, asking for your helping hand, your aid and assistance in helping me to receive a second chance - an opportunity to demonstrate who I have become, and not to continue in the punishment given unto me.
I do not wish for the mistakes I made when I was 18 years old to constantly define my life. I hope to move beyond my worst mistake and embrace a life full of grace and potential. To be a father to my children - a son to my parents - a brother to my siblings - and an uncle to my many nieces and nephews. I hope to be a Positive Influence within society, and a blessing to others. It is to this end that I am asking for your help, and hoping for your assistance. For I know with God’s grace - My family’s love and support - and success as a Redeemed Man in Society.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Ryan L. Artis