Alwin Smith

Home After 21 Years

Alwin is the first person to be resentenced in Riverside County under Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing. This is in huge part due to District Attorney Michael Hestrin’s commitment to reviewing unjust sentences and to Alwin’s attorney Milena Blake.

Alwin was initially convicted to 65-years-to-life for second-degree robbery and possession of a controlled substance. After serving 21 years and diving deep into his rehabilitation, Alwin is finally home. While incarcerated, Alwin immersed himself in spiritual education as a means for rehabilitation. In addition to focusing on his spirituality, Alwin dedicated himself to living a substance-free life. Through his Christian faith and his dedication to tackling his addiction, Alwin transformed his life and now has a valuable set of tools that will assist him as he returns home.

Throughout his incarceration, Alwin made friends with fellow incarcerated men and maintained contact once those friends were released. These friends are now working at reentry organizations including the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and the Flintridge Center. These formerly incarcerated men have pledged to help Alwin successfully navigate the reentry process and to share their own experiences with him.  Today, Alwin resides in Los Angeles County and works at the nonprofit Root & Rebound to ensure robust reentry for others returning home from prison. He also volunteers to provide showers and food for people experiencing homelessness. We are so grateful to witness Alwin’s journey.