Today’s criminal justice system undervalues the role of forgiveness in the application of justice. The moment a crime is reported, the criminal procedure is seized and dominated by law enforcement and lawyers. These groups ban or discourage offenders and victims from contacting each other or discussing the case.

Because the state’s preference for punitive measures—traditionally based on deterrence, incapacitation, and retributive justice—has governed criminal justice procedures and practices throughout the years, criminal prosecutions today abandon a collaborative approach (where the victim and offender would engage to understand the other’s point of view) in favor of a combative approach. These procedures and practices have caused courts to become plea-bargaining factories that rush cases to reduce costs by forfeiting the offender’s and victim’s day in court. The outcome of this lawyer-driven state monopoly minimizes the roles of offenders, victims, and communities: victims and offenders—the parties most involved and in need of communication—have little or no time to communicate, let alone to understand, apologize, or forgive.

Anger naturally flows as an adverse side effect for both offenders and victims because of their interaction with the criminal justice system. Prior to their conviction, the offender harbors anger at themselves and the criminal justice system. After their conviction, the offender is treated differently in society due to the stigma of having a criminal conviction. Offenders are denied employment or housing due to their conviction despite being otherwise qualified. They are reminded of their past self instead of focusing on the person they are today.

On the other hand, the victim is treated differently in society due to the stigma of being victimized and subjected to the criminal justice system. Not only do victims of crime harbor profound resentment at the offender, but sometimes they hold anger against themselves. Both offenders and victims have difficulty progressing in life following their interaction with the criminal justice system. But through forgiveness, offenders and crime victims can relinquish the repercussions of the criminal justice system. When offenders and crime victims both voluntarily overcome their resentment of the criminal justice system, they can move forward in life and let go of the past.

In response to our less forgiving, more state-centered criminal justice system, Let Go Legal offers a comprehensive package of services for those seeking to move on with their life from the debilitating impact of the criminal justice system.

Let Go Legal is the post conviction relief division of the Law Office of Kasra Parsad. The relief offered at Let Go Legal assists both offenders and crime victims overcome the resentment that stems from interaction with the criminal justice system in order to promote and sustain emotional healing. After you contact Let Go Legal, we handle all matters on your behalf. Let Go Legal starts with a free case evaluation to determine what relief is appropriate in your particular circumstance. Once we identify what relief you need, we handle all matters on your behalf: obtaining all necessary documents, preparing petitions, drafting motions, and appearing on your behalf in court. There is nothing you need to do except reach out. Contact us today and find out whether you can let go of the past and move on with life.