October 12, 2021

Kristen Amond, with co-counsel Emily Posner, secured the release of their client, Ronald Marshall. Kristen was appointed by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana pro bono panel to represent Ronald in a civil rights case, but after learning of Ronald’s unconstitutional incarceration, she joined his criminal defense team. Ronald served 24 years of a 49.5-year sentence for armed robbery. Ronald’s sentence was the result of an illegal application of Louisiana habitual offender law.

After lengthy negotiations, District Attorney Jason Williams’s office agreed to vacate the multiple offender bill attached to Ronald’s sentence, which meant that Ronald had to be resentenced. Kristen and her co-counsel prepared a comprehensive sentencing memorandum that highlighted Ronald’s status as a certified mentor and trust, a status few achieve while incarcerated; his achievements while incarcerated, including obtaining a paralegal certificate and becoming a published author; his vast support system; and the many professional opportunities that awaited Ronald upon release.

Over 100 people attended Ronald’s resentencing hearing via Zoom—according to the judge, the highest attendance she had ever seen. Ronald was resentenced to the time he had already served and was released the same day.

Ronald has hit the ground running after his release. He serves as a policy associate at Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), where he advocates in the Louisiana legislature for policies affecting incarcerated persons. You can see some of his work here.