Sidley Secures Presidential Pardon for Pro Bono Client Jonathan Long

Sidley successfully assisted its pro bono client, Jonathan Long, a retired U.S. Navy sailor, in receiving a presidential pardon in connection with a prior conviction under the Clean Air Act. This marks the third presidential pardon Sidley has helped secure for clients charged with Clean Air Act offenses.

Sidley previously defended Long against a six-count felony indictment for alleged Clean Air Act violations in the Eastern District of Virginia. Following early wins in motions practice, the team was able to resolve the matter with a single misdemeanor plea. Long was subsequently featured in congressional testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in which Sidley weighed in critically on the government’s felony charging theory as legally unfounded.

The Sidley team was led by Justin Savage, and included Gordon Todd, Riley Desper, and alum Rose Quam-Wickham. The firm congratulates the team on this remarkable outcome and is honored to have assisted Long in obtaining this well-deserved relief.