PLEASE NOTE: FAMM can no longer respond to legal mail
As of January 1, 2009, FAMM no longer reads or responds to mail requesting legal help,advice, research, or referrals to attorneys. If you write asking for any of these things, we will not respond to your letter. If you need legal help, are looking for a lawyer, or are having problems with your lawyer, take a look at our new Frequently Asked Questions on finding and working with attorneys or visit your prison law library.
DISCLAIMER: 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?
FAMM cannot provide you or your loved one with legal advice, referrals, research, or representation. 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. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers also has an online list of affiliate organizations that may be able to provide referrals to attorneys. Simply select your state, then contact the lawyer referral service closest to where you or your loved one are located.
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Federal Public Defenders Directory
A listing of federal public defenders offices in the United States.
PACER
For a small fee, search federal court dockets, filings, and cases. First, you must register and create an account with a credit card.
FAMM's FAQs on How to Find and Work With a Lawyer
OTHER HELPFUL ORGANIZATIONS
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.
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.
The Innocence Project
Nonprofit legal clinic providing assistance to those claiming to be innocent. The Project only handles cases where post conviction DNA testing of evidence can yield conclusive proof of innocence.
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.
LEGAL BLOGS, NEWS, AND HANDBOOKS
Sentencing Law and Policy
This blog, run by Professor Doug Berman, features updates and commentary on important or noteworthy criminal cases, sentences, or sentencing reforms around the country.
White Collar Crime Prof Blog
This blog, run by Professor Ellen S. Podgor, features updates and commentary on important or noteworthy white collar crime cases, sentences, or news articles.
Second Circuit Sentencing Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Second Circuit (NY, CT, VT).
Third Circuit Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Third Circuit (PA, NJ).
Fourth Circuit Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Fourth Circuit (WV, VA, NC, SC).
Fifth Circuit Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Fifth Circuit (TX, LA, MS).
Sixth Circuit Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Sixth Circuit (MI, OH, KY, TN).
Ninth Circuit Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Ninth Circuit (CA, NV, AZ, OR, WA, ID, and MT).
Tenth Circuit Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Tenth Circuit (NM, CO, WY, UT, KS, and OK).
Eleventh Circuit Defense Newsletter Blog
Provides summaries and commentary on substantive sentencing decisions from the federal courts in the Eleventh Circuit (AL, GA, FL).
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.
National Detainee Handbook (February 2009)
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 for Federal Resources
Click here for Issue Resources