Botkin Chiarello Calaf, in coordination with The Survivors' Project at the Lone Star Justice Alliance, recently submitted an application for a gubernatorial pardon on behalf Martha Acevedo, a Texas grandmother who in 2015 was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of a man who physically abused her throughout their nearly 50-year marriage.

Ms. Acevedo submitted her pardon request to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles pursuant to the customized clemency application process established by Governor Abbott in February 2020 for victims of domestic violence who commit crimes “while under the grips of … an abusive partner.”

Senior Counsel Erin Eckhoff worked with Ms. Acevedo, her family, and other supporters to compile the application, which demonstrated not only her domestic violence victimization, but also Ms. Acevedo’s proactive efforts to move toward redemption and restoration while incarcerated.

“BCC is committed to supporting the community via pro bono work,” said name partner María Amelia Calaf. “We are proud to partner with the Lone Star Justice Alliance to do this important work and applaud Erin’s efforts to provide an opportunity for redemption for Ms. Acevedo.”