"Alan Crotzer was imprisoned in Florida for 24 years, six months, and 13 days for a crime he did not commit. He was exonerated in January 2006 as a result of DNA evidence."

Ron Sachs Communications Receives PR News Legal PR Award For Media Relations For The Alan Crotzer Claims Bill

April 16, 2009

(TALLAHASSEE) - Ron Sachs Communications today announced it has received a coveted PR News Legal PR Award for media relations during crisis and litigation for Vice-President Alia Faraj-Johnson's pro-bono work on the Alan Crotzer Claims Bill.

The annual Legal PR Awards program is the industry's only awards competition saluting excellence in litigation PR and law firm communications. The competition highlights the opportunity to showcase the creativity, business savvy and media relation expertise of legal communicators and marketing professionals worldwide.

"Our firm's pro bono work on the Crotzer case was led by our consummate professional colleague, Alia, and holds a lofty perch in the firm's history because of the justice it helped to win," said Ron Sachs, president/CEO, Ron Sachs Communications.

Alan Crotzer was imprisoned in Florida for 24 years, six months, and 13 days for a crime he did not commit. He was exonerated in January 2006 as a result of DNA evidence. Righting the injustice against him required more than just winning his freedom. It also called upon the Florida Legislature to provide financial restitution to Crotzer for his severe loss of years through a claims bill that was stuck in a political process. Alia Faraj-Johnson worked closely with Crotzer's legal team to highlight the claims bill before the Capitol Press Corps and the Florida Legislature.

"Working to support the Alan Crotzer Claims Bill has been one of the highlights of my career," said Alia Faraj-Johnson, vice-president, Ron Sachs Communications. "Alan's positive attitude throughout the process and his commitment to working with at-risk youth is a testament to the kind of man he is and I am proud to have played a role in his second chance."

During the 2008 legislative session, the Florida House passed the Alan Crotzer claims bill unanimously and publicly apologized to Crotzer from the floor with the Senate following suit later the same week. Within a week, Gov. Charlie Crist's office held a bill signing ceremony granting Crotzer $1.25 million ($50,000 for each year in prison) and a state-paid college education.

The Legal PR Awards, presented by one of the industry's most-read and trusted publications, PR News, is open to all law firms, PR, communications and marketing professionals at corporations, nonprofits, agencies, government agencies, educational institutions and their vendor partners.