Governor Hochul Grants Pardon to Simpson Thacher Pro Bono Client
01.03.24
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On December 22, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul granted a pardon to Simpson Thacher pro bono client Andres Rivera for his two decades-old drug conviction. As noted in the press release announcing the December 2023 clemency grants, “[t]his action recognizes individuals demonstrating remorse, exemplifying rehabilitation, and displaying a commitment to improving themselves and their communities.”
Mr. Rivera emigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic when he was a teenager. At age 21, he was convicted of a drug-related offense. In the 22 years since that conviction, Mr. Rivera has never been convicted of any other crime. He has worked for years in the property management industry, rising through the ranks to become a building superintendent, and he is the father of a college student who is an American citizen. The pardon will help Mr. Rivera pursue naturalization to become a United States citizen, and give him the peace of mind to travel to the Dominican Republic to visit his aging mother.
The Simpson Thacher team included Mike Garvey, Jack Nalen, Jonathan Schwartz and Nihara Choudhri.