-
FAMM Calls on President Trump, All 50 Governers to Leverage Clemency Powers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, FAMM sent letters to the Office of the President and every governor in the United States , calling on them to expand the use of clemency. FAMM called on recipients to use their executive powers to recognize meaningful rehabilitation, correct overly harsh sentences, and address situations where continued incarceration no longer…
-
Mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder are unconstitutional, Pa. Supreme Court rules
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder are unconstitutional — a significant decision that is likely to reshape a portion of state law that many criminal justice advocates and some public officials have long targeted for reform . In an opinion released Thursday morning, Chief Justice Debra Todd…
-
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Overturns Life Without Parole for Second Degree Murder
In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found that sentencing people convicted of second degree murder to life without parole is unconstitutional. The court ruled that the sentence conflicts with the Pennsylvania Constitution’s ban on cruel punishment. The court’s ruling came in the case of Derek Lee from Allegheny County. Lee was…
-
FAMM Responds to Passage of H.R. 6938 to Establish Ombudsman Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2026 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com WASHINGTON, D.C. – FAMM is excited to announce that on January 23, President Donald J. Trump enacted H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, into law. This legislation directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish…
-
FAMM Congratulates Daniel Landsman, Vice President of Policy, on New Role at Niskanen Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2026 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today FAMM announced that Daniel Landsman, Vice President of Policy, is departing to become Government Affairs Manager at Niskanen Center. His last day with FAMM is January 23rd. “Daniel has been a truly incredible colleague and trusted friend of the FAMMily. We commend…
-
FAMM Responds to President Trump’s Clemency Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2026 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds , President of FAMM, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s commutation announcement today: “We at FAMM commend the President’s use of clemency for those who have earned a second chance. We also thank White House Pardon…
-
FAMM Announces Maria Goellner As New Vice President of External Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2025 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today FAMM (formerly known as Families Against Mandatory Minimums) has announced that Maria Goellner has been appointed as Vice President of External Relations. In this role, Maria will advance FAMM’s national, nonpartisan mission to move America to a system of justice that incentivizes…
-
FAMM President Shaneva D. McReynolds appointed to USSC Sentence Impact Advisory Group
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2025 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com FAMM President Shaneva D. McReynolds appointed to USSC Sentence Impact Advisory Group The newly formed group will allow for stakeholder input as the Commission reviews and revises federal sentencing guidelines WASHINGTON, D.C. – FAMM is excited to announce that our president, Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds,…
-
FAMM Announces Shanna Rifkin As New General Counsel; Mary Price Transitions to Senior Counsel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2025 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com FAMM Announces Shanna Rifkin As New General Counsel; Mary Price Transitions to Senior Counsel WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today FAMM (formerly known as Families Against Mandatory Minimums) announced two exciting staff transitions on its leadership team. Starting today, Tuesday, July 1, Shanna Rifkin , who has served…
-
FAMM President Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds Delivers Testimony to U.S. Sentencing Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 12, 2025 Media Contact: teamfamm@mrss.com WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds , President of FAMM, delivered testimony today at the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Dr. McReynolds’ testimony is available here . FAMM’s public comment for Proposed Amendments on drug guidelines as part…
Celebrating Our 35 Year Anniversary!
