Since starting this work in 2019, this is the 18th successful case for the Criminal Justice Clinic’s Compassionate Release and Excessive Sentences Project.
IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2023) — UCI Law Professor Katie Tinto and the Criminal Justice Clinic (CJC) at the University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law), secured the release of one of its clients, Spencer Riley, who had served more than 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses. CJC’s motion in federal court sought Mr. Riley’s compassionate release based on his terminal heart disease and lack of sufficient medical care while incarcerated, and his extensive rehabilitation. On Oct. 24, 2023, a federal judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas granted CJC’s motion and ordered Mr. Riley’s release. The federal court found Mr. Riley’s serious medical condition to provide the “extraordinary and compelling reasons” warranting release and stated that Mr. Riley’s personal conduct while incarcerated was “nothing short of exemplary.” Mr. Riley is now home with his family in Houston, Texas.
Current CJC third-year students Alicia Burrell and Allysa Suhaidi worked on the matter.
“Participating in CJC and working together with Spencer, Alicia and Prof. Tinto has been a highlight of my time at UCI Law. Through writing Spencer’s compassionate release motion, we not only had the opportunity to practice essential lawyering skills, but we also got to see the direct human impact that stemmed from our work,” said Allysa Suhaidi.
“Spencer is an extraordinary person. It has been a great honor to work with him, Allysa and Prof. Tinto and it will forever be my favorite memory at UCI Law. The opportunity to advocate for Spencer and see the direct impact of our work showed me that a little bit of justice can be granted when we decide to be present, listen to someone’s story and lead with empathy,” added Alicia Burrell.
UCI Law’s CJC fights for the compassionate release of prisoners who are elderly and in poor health, or are serving lengthy prison sentences, often due to outdated and unjust sentencing laws. Since beginning this project in 2019, CJC has successfully won the release of 18 individuals, eight of whom were serving life sentences, and eight of whom had each served more than 30 years in prison. CJC files these motions on behalf of clients throughout the United States, including in federal courts in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas and Florida.
The clinical program at UCI Law is a critical, required part of the curriculum, enabling students to gain valuable experience representing a variety of clients in need and working to address pressing problems. Additionally, students in CJC represent low-income individuals in state criminal court, help non-citizens seek post-conviction relief when facing immigration consequences of past criminal offenses, and much more.
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. Nearly half of all UCI Law’s J.D. graduates are people of color, and almost a third are first-generation students. At UCI Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UCI Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, X, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UCI Law.