,” he was sentenced to 25 years to life. While in prison for more than two decades, Villanueva dedicated himself to rehabilitation, participating in programs such as substance recovery, conflict resolution, mentorship, and evenfor veterans. To his surprise, in 2018, a law passed that enabled the very same prosecutor’s office that had once sentenced him tothat enables prosecutors to revisit old cases and propose revised sentences to the court.
One way PIR laws are engaging future attorneys is through law school clinics, fellowships, and internships. These programs educate students about the multifaceted role of prosecutors—on charging, bail, evidence, and plea bargains. Through law clinics specifically, students review real cases of currently incarcerated people, scrupulously analyzing details over months and presenting them to elected prosecutors, who ultimately decide whether their offices will bring the person home.