I am writing you for your assistance regarding Russell Smith i am seeking a sentence reduction from the governors office . Russell was sentence on May 2006 he plead guilty and was found guilty on 7 firearm charges,1 abduction by force, 2 abduction to gain pecuniary benefit, 1 wearing a mask in certain places, 1 first degree murder, 2 robbery in or near a street ,1 armed burglary, 1 conspiracy to commit robbery. Russell is currently in prison for these charges . Russell was sentenced to 33 years straight for the 7 firearm charges, 10 years for the abduction by force with 8 years suspended, 40 years for the 2 abduction to gain pecuniary benefit charges with 30 years suspended, 5 years for the wearing a mask in certain places with 5 years suspended, life for the 1st degree murder charge with life suspended, 50 years for 2 robbery in or near a street with 25 years suspended, 25 years for 1 charge of armed burglary with 25 years suspended, and 10 years straight for 1 charge of conspiracy to commit robbery. My son was given 173 years in prison with 93 years suspended meaning that my son has to serve 80 years. Russell tried to an appeal and was unsuccessful with it. As his mom i want the governor's office to recognize that his punishment of time given does not reflect the man, father, or son Russell Smith is ,the sentencing guideline range nor the facts established in the crime. My son deserves to come home to his family, I as his mother am looking for for help to get my son home sooner and I really hope this letter can help in some way . Addition to my voice i need other strong voices to come to an agreement that my son should not be serving such a punishment for these crimes. Since my son has been incarcerated he has made many changes he has done many rehabilitation and educational classes as follows Matrix-Relapse Prevention, Matrix-Family Education, S.A. Matrix -Social Support Group, Matrix-Early Recovery Skills, Preps, Thinking for a change, Victim impact, Decision Points, Serve Safe...(educational classes) are GED, Arts Graphics Design, Custodial maintenance and he is currently in HVAC (heating and air). Russell being incarcerated has impacted our lives in a way that is like living a nightmare everyday ,Russell has a daughter here that is wanting to get to know her father and be in his life Russell has a support system out here ready and waiting for him he has a job waiting for him and he is ready to be a productive member of society . Our family is asking to please give him another chance to show society that he is not the boy who did these crimes , he is ready to make an impact on the community he is connected with a non profit organization called Giving With A Golden hand in Virginia Beach who is willing to help him and he is willing to volunteer his time and he has been sharing the knowledge of the organization and if given a second chance or time reduction i know he will make an great impact on the community. My son has expressed his remorse and if given the chance i know he can be a great access and leader to society, and he will have his family to be his support system and assist him in any way we can. We love him and want him home please. Thank You for reading my letter i hope to hear from you soon.
