PLEASE NOTE: With the exception of FAMM's own commutation resources below, FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed below. FAMM cannot guarantee that the content appearing on these sites is accurate or fully up-to-date. Before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on these sites, you should always verify that the information is still accurate, or consult with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney.
Looking for a lawyer?
If you are trying to find a lawyer to help you or a loved one, start with the lawyer referral service (LRS) run by your state or local bar association. The American Bar Association has an online lawyer referral service locator tool. Simply select your state, then contact the lawyer referral service closest to where you or your loved one are located.
FAMM commutation resources
A constantly evolving and updated guide to commutation resources, compiled by FAMM.
2008 ACLU National Prison Project Assistance Directory
A very helpful guide to locating national, state and local resources for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, their families and anyone interested in criminal justice issues.
ACLU National Prison Project
Handle class action suits involving prison conditions and related issues in state and federal institutions. Litigation is usually limited to cases involving major class actions challenging prison conditions or otherwise of national significance. Also provide advice and materials to individuals or organizations involved in prison issues.
American Bar Association's Consumers' Guide to Legal Help
Resource provided by the ABA to help individuals find legal help in their state.
Berman blog
Award winning blog written by law professor Doug Berman. Covers criminal law and sentencing.
Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law
Prosecutorial guidelines to address racial disparity in the criminal justice system
D.C. Prisoners' Project of the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
Provide legal services to D.C. Code offenders, wherever they are incarcerated, in confinement and non-confinement related civil matters. Serve as an individual representation clearinghouse on prisoners' rights issues related to D.C.; provide social services and health education (AIDS/HIV related); and more. This group has also provided an easy to use, fill in the blank guide to navigating the federal Bureau of Prisons' administrative system.
D.C. Public Defender Service
Adult reentry directory
This manual, put together by the DC Public Defender Service, includes valuable information about halfway houses, drop-in and day centers, AIDS/HIV testing sites, housing, medical care, mental health care, and other resources available to prisoners reentering society in the DC metro area.
Juvenile reentry directory
This manual, also by the DC Public Defender Service, includes information on reentry and community resources, including housing and mental health care, for juvenile offenders.
Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook
This manual, created by the Center for Constitutional Rights and the National Lawyers Guild, describes how prisoners can bring lawsuits to protect their rights to free speech, access to reading materials, proper medical care, safe prison conditions, and freedom from discrimination while incarcerated. A new Women’s Appendix was also recently made available, at , and discusses how to get proper medical care for female health needs and how to address sexual harassment and abuse.
Federal Public Defenders Directory
A listing of federal public defenders offices in the United States.
The Innocence Project
Nonprofit legal clinic only handling cases where post conviction DNA testing of evidence can yield conclusive proof of innocence.
The Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook
The Center for Constitutional Rights, National Lawyers Guild and Columbia Human Rights Law Review have created the Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook, a valuable resource for anyone facing or serving a prison sentence.
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Detainee Handbook (October 2007)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has prepared this handbook outlining the rights and responsibilities of immigrants in detention centers, including rights to family and attorney visits, mail and phone access, and medical care. Click here to download the handbook.
Southern Center for Human Rights
Nonprofit, public interest law firm representing prisoners in challenges to unconstitutional conditions and practices in prisons and jails; challenging systemic failures in the legal representation of poor people in the criminal courts; and representing people facing the death penalty who otherwise would have no representation.
Southern Poverty Law Center
Handle class action civil rights suits involving prison conditions, access to health care, aducation, voting rights, and hate crimes.
Supreme Court of the United States
Official website to the Supreme Court. Read opinions, check a docket, and search Court rules, among other things.
Click here for Federal Resources
Click here for Issue Resources