Washington, DC (Jan 19, 2025) – President Biden made a bold and commendable use of his executive power in the last hours of his presidency to pardon five individuals and commute the sentences of two individuals who have made significant contributions to improving their communities. Among these individuals is Kemba Smith Pradia, a criminal legal reform advocate who was sentenced to 24 years in prison for a non-violent drug offense and has since worked on issues related to domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through her non-profit foundation. Pradia was represented by NACDL Parliamentarian Addy Schmitt and the firm Harris St. Laurent & Wechsler and supported by LDF and numerous other organizations. Also included is Michelle West, who is currently serving a life sentence despite a 31-year record of rehabilitation.
“To everyone who has supported me and Michelle West over the years—the advocates, legal teams, organizations, and communities who have amplified our voices—I cannot thank you enough,” said Kemba Smith Pradia. “Your tireless efforts have paved the way for moments like this, and your dedication has changed lives. This is a moment of celebration, yes—but it is also a call to action. Mass incarceration in our country isn't a Democratic or Republican issue, it’s a human rights issue. During the next administration, together, we must continue working to build a justice system that values redemption, acknowledges humanity, and creates opportunities for all.”
“It has been a privilege to represent Kemba—she is an inspiration and shines as an example of what second chances mean,” said Addy Schmitt. “We thank President Biden and those working in his administration, especially the Pardon Attorney’s Office, for their historic leadership and support. In granting over 4,000 clemency petitions and pardon applications during his presidency, President Biden has shown mercy to more individuals and their families harmed by our broken legal system than any President in history. But while Kemba is extraordinary, her story is not unique. With nearly two million people incarcerated in the U.S., we need systemic reform. The clemency and pardon processes are not fixes. We must do the hard work to end the injustice of mass incarceration.”
Contacts
Jessie Diamond, Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Communications, (202) 465-7647 or jdiamond@nacdl.org
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.
