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.
Sidley Secures Presidential Pardons for Two Clients
Sidley successfully assisted clients Joshua Davis and Aaron Rudolf in obtaining presidential pardons, providing extraordinary relief in connection with prior convictions under the Clean Air Act.
The firm represented Mr. Davis in securing his pardon following a single Clean Air Act violation. Sidley also represented Mr. Rudolf as co-counsel in obtaining his pardon for the same offense.
The pardons follow broader advocacy by Sidley on the scope and fairness of criminal enforcement under the Clean Air Act. In September 2025, Justin Savage testified before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding the rise in these criminal prosecutions, the need for clear statutory authority and fair enforcement, and Mr. Davis’ and Mr. Rudolf’s cases.
