James Bensfield and Jonathan Kossak* were quoted regarding the unconditional pardon of their client, Michael McAlister, following nearly 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Mr. McAlister remained in prison pursuant to a Virginia law that allows civil commitment of sexual predators after completion of their criminal sentences. On Wednesday, May 13, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed the pardon petition and Mr. McAuliffe was released that evening. "We are thrilled that the governor did the right thing and finally ended this nightmare," the lawyers said in a statement, in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project, a non-profit that served as co-counsel in the case. Of the 14 pardons that McAuliffe has granted since taking office last year, McAlister is the first to receive an unconditional pardon, thereby erasing his criminal record.

*Former Miller & Chevalier attorney