News & Media - FAMM

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 Tripp Laino at 202-999-4273.

For FAMM’s work at the state level, contact TJohn Norton at 202-999-4268.

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:

Clemency Project 2014 Praises Justice Department for Breathing New Life Into Clemency Process

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Riggs, (202) 822-6706, mriggs@famm.org WASHINGTON, D.C. – Deputy Attorney General James Cole announced today a new set of criteria the Justice Department and White House will use when considering clemency petitions from federal prisoners. The new criteria will help the Justice Department identify federal prisoners who, if sentenced today under current sentencing … Read More

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Florida Legislature Reforms Prescription Drug Trafficking Sentences

Friday, April 11, 2014

By a vote of 113-2, the Florida House passed a bill today aimed at reducing the number of people subjected to mandatory minimums for prescription drug offenses. The House vote follows the Florida Senate’s passage of SB 360 in late March. “This common sense bill is a step forward in addressing the demand side of … Read More

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U.S. Sentencing Commission Votes to Lower Federal Drug Sentences

Thursday, April 10, 2014

FAMM applauds Sentencing Commission for modifying federal drug sentence guidelines CONTACT: Mike Riggsmriggs@famm.org202-822-6706 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The seven-member U.S. Sentencing Commission voted unanimously today to amend federal drug sentencing guidelines. The change will reduce federal drug sentences by an average of 11 months. “We commend the Sentencing Commission for taking this important step toward reforming … Read More

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Florida Senate Passes the Threatened Use of Force Act

Thursday, April 3, 2014

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – Today, the Florida Senate joined the House in passing the The Threatened Use of Force Act, a bill that provides a legal defense for Floridians who threaten to use force—such as warning shots—in situations where deadly force is already protected by law.  “The Senate should be commended for addressing this glaring omission … Read More

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FAMM Applauds Florida House Passage of Threatened Use of Force Act

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Contact: Greg Newburn, Florida director for Families Against Mandatory Minimums, gnewburn@famm.org The Threatened Use of Force Act passed the Florida House early Thursday evening. HB 89 provides legal protection for persons who threaten to use force—such as by firing warning shots—in situations in which deadly force is already protected by Florida law.  “HB 89 addresses a glaring hole in … Read More

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FAMM Welcomes Mike Riggs as Director of Communications

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Contact:  202-822-6700  Families Against Mandatory Minimums is excited to welcome Mike Riggs as the foundation’s new director of communications. Mike joins FAMM from The Atlantic Cities, where he was a staff writer covering criminal justice policy. “We’re thrilled to add Mike to our team,” said FAMM President Julie Stewart. “He’s passionate about our work and … Read More

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