Went to prison for a punch

Hello, my name is Lawrence. During my senior year of high school, I was involved in an incident that drastically altered the course of my life. At the time, I confronted a drug dealer who had stolen money from me during a transaction. In the heat of the moment, I reacted impulsively and physically assaulted him. The following day, I returned the money and apologized for my actions, acknowledging that my behavior was wrong. However, six months later, I was arrested and charged with willful injury causing bodily harm and a separate assault charge.

During the trial, the jury asked my public defender for guidance on how to proceed with the charges. My attorney declined to provide input, and as a result, I was convicted on both charges. I was sentenced to five years in prison, despite having only two months left to complete my high school education. I served two and a half years before being released. Additionally, I faced deportation, but my home country refused to accept me, so I remained in the United States.

Since my conviction, I have struggled with the consequences of having a felony on my record, especially as a first-time offender. I feel that I was unfairly treated during the legal process, and many people I’ve shared my story with—including officials—agree that my case was mishandled. Unfortunately, I have been unable to secure the legal representation needed to appeal or overturn my conviction due to financial constraints. Many attorneys are hesitant to take on my case, as they believe it would be challenging to navigate given the prosecutor’s involvement.

I am reaching out for assistance in finding a way to clear my name and move forward with my life. This conviction has had a profound impact on my life, and I am seeking any guidance or support to help me pursue justice.