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 sends letter urging Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to use pardon power generously

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM sends letter urging Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to use pardon power generously RICHMOND — FAMM sent a letter today to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam encouraging him to generously use his pardon power generously as his term nears its end. Virginia’s prison system doesn’t have parole, meaning the only way for a … Read More

FAMM releases statement following report on Biden administration’s plan for people on home confinement

Monday, August 30, 2021

Media Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM releases statement following report on Biden administration’s plan for people on home confinement WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement following published reports about the Biden administrations plans for how to address people on home confinement: “The leaked plan makes no sense,” Ring said. “Everyone on home … Read More

More Than 30 CARES Act employers urge Biden to keep their employees home

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Media Contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org More Than 30 CARES Act employers urge Biden to keep their employees home WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring issued the following statement in reaction to the more than 30 CARES Act employers who have sent a letter to President Biden urging him to keep their employees home. The employers join … Read More

FAMM, NACDL and Washington Lawyers’ Committee launch CARES Act Home Confinement Clearinghouse

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Media contact: Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700 rburks@famm.org FAMM, NACDL and Washington Lawyers’ Committee launch CARES Act Home Confinement Clearinghouse WASHINGTON – FAMM, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) launched the “CARES Act Home Confinement Clearinghouse” today in an effort to prevent up … Read More

NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project welcomes handful of clemency grants and expresses disappointment in four years of missed opportunities by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Media Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project welcomes handful of clemency grants and expresses disappointment in four years of missed opportunities by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo WASHINGTON – Yesterday evening, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo granted clemency to ten individuals. Five of the grantees had their sentences commuted, and five were … Read More

FAMM welcomes Matthew Charles as a policy associate

Friday, August 6, 2021

Media Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm.org FAMM welcomes Matthew Charles as a policy associate WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring today announced the hiring of Matthew Charles as a policy associate. “Matthew has traveled the country to share his incredible story and promote second chances, and as a staff member, he’ll use his knowledge of policy … Read More