Florida has nearly 101,000 inmates in 49 major state prisons and numerous correctional facilities called annexes and work camps.
A clemency commutation of sentence and parole are alternate paths to the same goal, which is to release the inmate early. Both involve compassion, redemption, and forgiveness, and are the ultimate grant of a second chance. To get either, you must convince elected or appointed officials that the inmate will never commit another serious crime. However, clemency and parole involve different decision-makers, rules and timeframes.
Here is the so-called secret sauce (the actual "how-to" steps to leave prison early), written by one of Florida's most distinguished clemency lawyers.
What Others Say...
"The clemency process is one of the most emotional, significant to so- ciety and those who are directly affected, and misunderstood undertak- ings of Florida state government. Mr. Reggie Garcia has spent much of his legal career advising clients and state policy makers on clemency and closely observing its evolution over recent decades. For anyone who wants to understand how the king - now governor and cabinet - dispenses discretionary justice in Florida, this is the book to read."
The Honorable Bob Graham, U.S. Senator 1987-2005; Governor of Florida 1979-1987 (January 15, 2015)
Reggie Garcia is "an expert in clemency and parole cases."
Sean Rossman, Tallahassee Democrat (July 21, 2014)
"A man who truly seeks justice."
Brian Tannebaum, Miami lawyer, author of The Practice and past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (November 18, 2014)
"There is not a more qualified clemency/parole attorney in the State. And yet you took your time to educate me and introduce me to key players. Both the inmate] and I are so grateful."
Patti Velasquez, Delray Beach lawyer and mediator (December 1, 2014)
"It's the job of Reggie Garcia (JD '85) to win for his clients the rights and freedoms that no judge or jury can grant."
Richard Goldstein, Editor/ UF Law, in "Official Mercy," UF Law magazine (Fall 2011)
"We are so deeply touched by the pure passion, tireless dedication and absolute commitment that Reggie Garcia reflects every day to reverse a decades-old injustice."
Ron Sachs, CEO/Sachs Media Group (August 24, 2014)
"Reggie, your experience with the Parole process, plus your energetic personal involvement, have enabled you to represent our inmate friend in front of the Parole Commission in a strong and balanced way."
Vivi Letsou, Step2Freedom.com (September 10, 2014)
"If you want a passionate, capable, knowledgeable attorney on your case, you will find it in Reggie Garcia. He is qualified bar none to take your case before the Florida parole or clemency boards."
Pat Bliss, retired paralegal (September 16, 2014)