News & Media

Since forming in 1991, FAMM has developed a team of attorneys, advocates and researchers with extensive expertise in crafting and advancing state and federal legislative reforms; working with the U.S. Sentencing Commission; improving the executive clemency process; and navigating the complex traits of federal sentencing policy. We’ve also put together a large collection of deeply researched case profiles highlighting FAMM members who have been subjected to onerous prison sentences. FAMM staffers are available to answer questions regarding the politics and policy of sentencing reform, and our research team is available to walk journalists through prisoners’ cases.

Have a question, or need to reach out to one of FAMM’s expert staff members? Our media relations team is happy to help!

For FAMM’s work at the federal level, contact Rabiah A. Burks at 202-999-4258.

For FAMM’s work at the state level, contact Tripp Laino at 202-999-4273.

If you have a general question for FAMM and are not a member of the media, contact Debi Campbell at 202-621-5041.

New to the Issues?

We encourage journalists who have never covered sentencing before—and any veterans looking to brush up—to check out our Sentencing 101 page. If you’d like to write about someone who’s serving an unjust sentence, you can check out our profiles page. To see what FAMM is doing to change sentencing policy at the state and federal levels, you can find our work here. To learn about current sentencing reform legislation in Congress, visit our U.S. Congress page.

Ready to become an expert in federal sentencing? Visit our briefing book on mandatory minimum sentences for congressional staff.

In addition to work for reform at the federal level, FAMM is currently working in the following four states. Click the state to learn about FAMM’s efforts there.

Recent Press Releases:

FAMM releases report on need for second chances in Pennsylvania’s prisons

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Media contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM releases report on need for second chances in Pennsylvania’s prisons “Time for Justice: The Urgent Need for Second Chances in Pennsylvania’s Sentencing System” highlights high costs and low value of Pennsylvania’s long prison sentences HARRISBURG – As part of FAMM’s ongoing efforts to support second chances in Pennsylvania, … Read More

FAMM urges Attorney General Garland to clear up confusion around OLC Memo on CARES Act Home Confinement

Friday, November 12, 2021

Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM urges Attorney General Garland to clear up confusion around OLC Memo on CARES Act Home Confinement WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring sent a letter urging U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to clear up confusion around the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) memo on CARES Act home confinement. “After months of … Read More

FAMM to release report, host panel on second chances in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM to release report, host panel on second chances in Pennsylvania “Time for Justice: The Urgent Need for Second Chances in Pennsylvania’s Sentencing System” highlights high costs and low value of Pennsylvania’s long prison sentences HARRISBURG – As part of FAMM’s ongoing efforts to support second chances in Pennsylvania, it will be … Read More

FAMM President Kevin Ring to testify at D.C. Council Hearing on Revised Criminal Code Act of 2021

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM President Kevin Ring to testify at D.C. Council Hearing on Revised Criminal Code Act of 2021 WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring will give testimony at the D.C. Council’s Thursday hearing on the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2021 on Thursday. “There is not a jurisdiction in this country that wouldn’t … Read More

FAMM welcomes Shanna Rifkin as Deputy General Counsel and Shaneva D. McReynolds as a consultant

Monday, November 1, 2021

Media Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM welcomes Shanna Rifkin as Deputy General Counsel and Shaneva D. McReynolds as a consultant SPRINGFIELD – FAMM President Kevin Ring today announced the hiring of Shanna Rifkin as Deputy General Counsel and Shaneva D. McReynolds as a consultant. “We are glad to have Shanna and Shaneva joining our … Read More

FAMM’s virtual briefing on home confinement available to stream

Friday, October 1, 2021

Media Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM’s virtual briefing on home confinement available to stream Short panels discuss employment, family life and the struggles of serving uncertain home confinement terms WASHINGTON – FAMM’s virtual briefing discussing the ongoing issues surrounding those released to home confinement during the pandemic is now available on FAMM’s YouTube channel. … Read More