Submit Your Case > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when I send my Case Summary form to FAMM?
A FAMM case researcher reads all case summaries carefully and request copies of key court documents from those prisoners whose summaries best represent the injustices of these laws. After we carefully read it and enter your information into our database, we add you to our mailing list and send you the FAMMGram. We may ask for more information, including key court documents like a Pre-Sentence Investigation Report (PSR), if available, to write a case profile. We prioritize cases that illustrate specific reform issues.
How long is the case screening process?
Because we receive hundreds of cases each year, it could take up to a year. So please be patient if you have not heard from us.
Can I retain a FAMM attorney by submitting a case summary form? No, FAMM does not have lawyers to represent individual cases. Our Litigation Project works through the courts by finding lawyers to litigate select mandatory sentencing cases that can set important legal precedents.
How many cases do you normally profile?
The unfortunate reality is that we are a very small organization and can only devote our limited resources to a select few cases that we feel could generate the most public and legislative support. Although your sentence may be excessive (and most likely is), we simply can’t profile everyone. But this does not mean we haven’t valued your participation and correspondence. So please don’t be discouraged if we don’t accept your case now.
Do I need to be innocent of the charges to be selected?
This is not about guilt or innocence. FAMM’s mission is to challenge inflexible and excessive sentences, not to advocate for the wrongly accused. In fact we value honesty more than innocence because FAMM’s reputation relies on our ability to accurately present the “human faces” behind mandatory minimum sentences. So please, be honest and upfront about the facts of your case.
What information is contained in a profile?
A profile is typically a one or two page summary of the underlying offense, any prior offenses, how the sentence is calculated, and the prisoner biographical information. Often a photo of the prisoner with his or her family is included.
What if I’m unhappy with my profile or corrections or needed?
FAMM sends you a copy of the completed profile, along with a form authorizing its release. If you find incorrect information or are unhappy with the profile, send FAMM your correction and we will work to integrate your changes.
Which cases make the best media profiles?
The best media cases are those where sentencing injustice is obvious: excessive sentences for minor involvement in drug cases with a strong judge’s statement decrying the sentence. But even if you fit these criteria, FAMM cannot guarantee media coverage for any case because we have very little control over which profiles are publicized. Although we wish we could profile every case in the press, in the end reporters have the final say, not FAMM.
If you have additional questions or concerns, write or call the FAMM National Office in Washington, D.C. Please download and fill out a Case Summary form mail it to us. Without your involvement, there would be no FAMM. But with your cases, we can make an even stronger argument for changing mandatory minimum drug sentences.