Department of Justice

Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM releases statement on new prosecutorial charging guidance memos from the Department of Justice 

WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement in response to Attorney General Garland’s issuance of two memos, which provide guidance to federal prosecutors when charging criminal cases:

“This is good news,” Ring said. “Any move to limit the use of one-size-fits-all mandatory minimums is a step in the right direction, and the Attorney General’s memos make clear that’s what he wants. Prosecutors exercise a great deal of discretion when it comes to mandatory minimums. Today’s announcement helps ensure drug mandatory minimums are used sparingly and only where they are most needed.

“We are especially pleased to see the Attorney General repeat his call for eliminating the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses. This racist disparity serves no public safety purpose and has punished primarily Black families for more than three decades. While we applaud this guidance, it’s important to keep in mind that it is not permanent. It will not bind future administrations. That’s why Congress must pass the EQUAL Act.”

For more than three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM has led the fight to reform extreme mandatory sentencing laws and to promote rehabilitation and dignity for all people in prison, 94 percent of whom will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.