Resources: Second Chances - FAMM

Resources: Second Chances

HomeSecond Chances AgendaResources: Second Chances

The Second Chances Resource Library contains resources related to expanding opportunities for release for people serving long prison sentences.

Time for Justice: The Urgent Need for Second Chances in Pennsylvania’s Sentencing System

Emily Bloomenthal, FAMM

This report, which focuses on people serving minimum sentences of 20 years or longer, looks at the harms and injustices of extreme sentences in Pennsylvania. Read >>

Second Look Sentencing Explained

FAMM

This fact sheet explains what second look sentencing is, why we need it, and how it works. Read >>

A Second Chance Starts With A Second Look: The Case for Reconsideration of Lengthy Prison Sentences

Daniel Landsmann, FAMM

This report calls on the federal government to pass and implement a “second look at sentencing” provision to allow courts to examine sentences now considered excessive. Read >>

The Older You Get: Why Incarcerating the Elderly Makes us Less Safe

FAMM

This fact sheet summarizes the evidence showing that the vast majority of people who commit crimes – even very serious crimes – naturally grow out of criminal behavior as they mature. Read >>

The Harms of Extreme Sentences and the Need for Second Look Laws

FAMM

This resource briefly summarizes why second look laws are needed and lays out key principles for developing effective second look laws. Read >>

A Second Look at Injustice

Nazgol Ghandnoosh, The Sentencing Project

This report begins by examining the evidence supporting second look bills. It then presents in-depth accounts of three reform efforts that can be models for the nation. Read >>

Revisiting Past Extreme Sentences: Sentencing Review and Second Chances

Emily Bloomenthal, Fair and Just Prosecution

This FJP “Issues at a Glance” brief discusses why prosecutors should seek to review and address excessive sentences that are currently being served. Read >>

Model Penal Code: Modification of Long Term Prison Sentences

The American Law Institute

This provision creates a “second-look” process for sentence modification available to prisoners who have served exceptionally long terms. Read >>

NACDL Model “Second Look” Legislation: Second Look Sentencing Act

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

This model legislation would provide incarcerated individuals serving long sentences an opportunity to seek a sentence reduction after they have served at least ten years in custody. Read >>

Second Look = Second Chance: Turning The Tide Through NACDL’s Model Second Look Legislation

JaneAnne Murray, Sean Hecker, Michael Skocpol, and Marissa Elkins, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

This report explains why the right to petition for a sentence reduction should apply to all incarcerated people after 10 years. Read >>

Federal Second Look Act of 2019

U.S. Congress

This bill, introduced by Senator Cory Booker, would allow people who have spent at least 10 years in federal prison to petition a court to take a “second look” at their sentence. Read >>

Understanding Violent Crime Recidivism

J.J. Prescott, Benjamin Pyle, & Sonja B. Starr

This article reviews existing studies looking at recidivism among people convicted of violent crimes and offers new empirical analysis. Read >>

No End In Sight: America’s Enduring Reliance on Life Imprisonment

Ashley Nellis, The Sentencing Project

In 2020, The Sentencing Project obtained official corrections data from all states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to produce their 5th national census on life imprisonment. Read >>

The Ungers, 5 Years and Counting: A Case Study in Safely Reducing Long Prison Terms and Saving Taxpayer Dollars

Justice Policy Institute

The release of nearly 200 people given life sentences created a natural case study from which Maryland and other states can learn. This report looks at that evidence. Read >>

Resentencing of Juvenile Lifers: The Philadelphia Experience

Tarika Daftary-Kapur and Tina Zottoli, Montclair State University

This study examined the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) approach to juvenile lifer resentencing under two different administrations starting in 2017. Read >>

Second Looks & Second Chances

Shon Hopwood

This essay describes several avenues that federal decision-makers can use to identify people serving needlessly long sentences and who are no longer a danger to society. Read >>

Model District Attorney Sentence Review Guidelines

The Justice Collaborative

These guidelines provide a detailed model of how elected prosecutors can develop and implement a sentencing review policy in their respective offices. Read >>

California County Resentencing Pilot Program Fact Sheet

For the People

This fact sheet provides information on California’s County Resentencing Pilot Program. Read >>

Joint Statement From Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Leaders on Sentencing Second Chances And Addressing Past Extreme Sentences

Fair and Just Prosecution

64 elected prosecutors and law enforcement leaders joined together in this statement urging elected prosecutors and policy makers to embrace mechanisms that can provide second chances. Read >>

New York Senate Bill S15A: AN ACT... in relation to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated persons aged fifty-five or older

The New York State Senate

This bill would create parole eligibility for individuals who are at least 55 years old and have served at least 15 years. Read >>

New York Senate Bill S1415A: New York Senate Bill S15A: AN ACT... in relation to… discretionary release of incarcerated persons on parole

The New York State Senate

This bill would establish that the Board of Parole shall release incarcerated persons who are eligible for release on parole. Read >>

Joe Coleman Medical Release Act

Illinois General Assembly

This bill, passed in 2021, allows for the discretionary early release of those who are medically incapacitated or terminally ill. Read >>

Everywhere and Nowhere Compassionate Release in the States

Mary Price, FAMM

A comprehensive, state-by-state report on the early-release programs available to prisoners struggling with certain extraordinary circumstances. Read >>

The High Costs of Low Risk: The Crisis of America's Aging Prison Population

The Osborne Association

This paper provides the overall landscape of the issues affecting older people in prison, with a particular focus on New York. Read >>

Second Chance Legislation in the States

FAMM

This living spreadsheet, updated weekly on Mondays, provides up-to-date information on second chance legislation across the country. Read >>

Sentencing Second Chances

Fair and Just Prosecution

This short video looks at the role of elected prosecutors in promoting second chances for people serving excessive sentences. Watch >>

D.C. Code § 24–403.03. Modification of an imposed term of imprisonment for violations of law committed before 25 years of age

Council of the District of Columbia

This statute gives individuals who have served at least 15 years for a crime committed prior to age 25 the opportunity to have a court review their sentence. Read >>

California Assembly Bill 2942: An act to amend Section 1170 of the Penal Code, relating to recall of sentencing

California Legislative Counsel Bureau

This bill, passed in 2018, allows a court to recall and resentence a defendant upon the recommendation of the district attorney of the county in which the defendant was sentenced. Read >>

California Assembly Bill 145, establishing County Resentencing Pilot Program

California Legislative Counsel Bureau

This bill, passed in 2021, established the County Resentencing Pilot Program. Read >>

Aging Prison Populations Drive Up Costs

Matt McKillop & Alex Boucher, The Pew Charitable Trusts

This article looks at the growing population of older individuals in prisons and the resulting high costs. Read >>

Why a Second Look

A video from FAMM featuring Tyrone Walker, who received a second chance and now works in justice reform. Watch >>

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