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. To arrange an interview or request assistance with a story, please contact FAMM’s Director of Communications, Rabiah Burks at rburks@famm.org.
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.
Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM, Florida Cares Urge Swift Action From Florida DOC TALLAHASSEE — In response to a leaked video allegedly showing employees of the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) beating a man held at Florida’s Lake Correctional Institution, FAMM and the advocacy group Florida Cares have sent a letter urging DOC Sec. Mark … Read More
Read More Contact: Rabiah Burks rburks@famm.org 202-822-6700 FAMM Welcomes the Matthew Charles and William Underwood Act The new bill would allow judges to reduce lengthy sentences of prisoners who have shown evidence of notable rehabilitation while in prison. WASHINGTON – This week Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) and Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) will be introducing the Matthew … Read More
Read More Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM Submits Testimony on Massachusetts Medical Parole Implementation Process BOSTON – FAMM General Counsel Mary Price submitted testimony yesterday to the Massachusetts agency tasked with collecting public comments on the state’s new medical parole rules. The testimony is part of FAMM’s ongoing effort to improve access to compassionate release in the United States. The … Read More
Read More Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM Applauds Missouri Gov. Mike Parson for Signing Sentencing Reform Bill JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Today, Gov. Mike Parson signed HB 192, a sentencing reform bill passed by the Missouri legislature in May. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bruce DeGroot (R-Chesterfield), prevents convictions for minor and nonviolent crimes from triggering the … Read More
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Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org #VisitAPrison: FAMM Challenges Policymakers Nationwide The criminal justice organization launches nationwide campaign to encourage policymakers to visit a prison or jail in the next 12 months. WASHINGTON – Today, FAMM launched the “#VisitAPrison” challenge, designed to encourage local, state, and national policymakers to visit a prison or jail in their states or … Read More
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Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM Taps Celeste Trusty as Pennsylvania State Policy Director WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring announced that Celeste Trusty is the organization’s first state policy director for Pennsylvania. Trusty previously served as the group’s regional organizer for Philadelphia. In her new role, she will work with policymakers and advocates to advance FAMM’s sentencing … Read More
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