Since starting this work in 2019, this is the 20th successful case for the Criminal Justice Clinic’s Compassionate Release and Excessive Sentences Project.
IRVINE, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2024) — UC Irvine Law Professor Katie Tinto and the Criminal Justice Clinic (CJC) at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, secured the release of one of its clients, John Caylor, from federal prison. On September 6, a federal judge in the Northern District of Florida granted the clinic’s motion seeking Caylor’s release after serving more than 23 years in prison for selling a small amount of narcotics in 2001. The motion centered on Caylor’s young adult son, who in recent years had a kidney transplant and was struggling with post-transplant care. In recognition of his son’s need for care and Caylor’s efforts of personal growth over his decades of incarceration, the court granted Caylor’s request for release.
“This case contributes to the growing recognition that many individuals currently incarcerated are serving overly lengthy sentences, and that there are costs of such incarceration on both the individual and their families,” said Professor Katie Tinto, clinical professor of law and director of the Criminal Justice Clinic. “We are thrilled that the court recognized the importance of Mr. Caylor’s return to his family to provide the care and support his son needs.”
“I’m really happy that Mr. Caylor is getting a second chance,” added UC Irvine Law alum Nicholas Thiele (’24), who worked on the matter. “He has long deserved the opportunity to rebuild his life. I’m incredibly thankful I could be a part of making that happen.”
CJC began the Compassionate Release and Excessive Sentences Project in 2019 with the goal of securing the release of prisoners serving long and unjust prison sentences. Since the start of the project, CJC has successfully won the release of 20 clients, 10 of whom were serving life or effective life sentences. CJC files motions on behalf of clients throughout the U.S., including in federal courts in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Texas, and Florida.
The clinical program at UC Irvine School of 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.
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