Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement (FICPFM)’s Post

Historically prisons have created better criminals, and the focus has not yet fully shifted to the idea that we need to be creating better citizens. Maybe because we don’t think real, lasting change is possible? It’s more likely that we just want “bad people to pay”. This article is a very clear window into why our personal feelings about punishment are counterproductive to real safety and justice. Worth the read!!

It is a strange dichotomy; engaging in criminal activity is a maladaptive coping strategy. In other words it is a behavior, not a reflection of the core person. In therapy there is extensive focus on helping people change maladaptive coping strategies meaning that behaviors can be treated and people can change behaviors. I think the issue you are describing Dean, has its roots in how Puritanism shaped American values. For example an engraving titled "The Puritan" shows a person hanging their cat for catching a mouse on Sunday. While we do not hang cats for such actions today, we do kill people for their crimes. As a past treating professional (psychologist), I find that behavioral change happens when we openly and honestly ask question that get us looking at how we developed our views. It is not about vilifying others for having diverse views on crime; it is about getting us to think about how we developed our values around criminal behavior.

Great overview of the trends in the delivery of indigent defense and how they further the promise of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), the civil rights era Supreme Court case guaranteeing criminal defendants facing incarceration the right to legal counsel. Key areas of reform include providing early access to counsel, more holistic services and incentivizing high quality legal talent. Summary: https://lnkd.in/ea6cDTci Full Report (10 min read): https://lnkd.in/ewjdSPdu

NEW: Our latest report examines three causes of racial inequity in the criminal legal system and presents a series of promising reforms from over 50 jurisdictions across the country that can mitigate their impact.

📢 Exciting Trends in Criminal Legal Reform for 2023! 🌐 Thrilled to share insights from The Sentencing Project's latest report on the "Top Trends in Criminal Legal Reform 2023." 📚 This comprehensive analysis delves into key shifts shaping the landscape of criminal justice. 🔗 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gXHXS68Y 🚀 Highlights include: 1️⃣ Sentencing Reform: Emphasis on fair and equitable sentencing practices. 2️⃣ Juvenile Justice: Progress in reforming juvenile systems for better outcomes. 3️⃣ Racial Equity: Strides towards addressing racial disparities within the legal system. 4️⃣ Prison Conditions: Advocacy for humane treatment and improved living conditions. 5️⃣ Reentry Programs: Focus on supporting successful reintegration into society. 🤝 Let's continue the dialogue and drive positive change! Share your thoughts and join the movement for a more just and compassionate criminal legal system. Together, we can make a difference. 👊💙 #CriminalJusticeReform #LegalReform #SocialJustice #ChangeMakers #SentencingProject #2023Trends Feel free to customize and share! ✨

Read the latest piece on Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing via Capital B by Christina Carrega, highlighting how this tool for justice is expanding from California to North Carolina – and beyond. Assistant District Attorney Dwain Woodley puts it best when he says, “...as prosecutors, justice doesn’t end at the time of sentencing. Justice is an ongoing thing that we should be engaging in as prosecutor offices, where you can, and if the resources allow.” https://bit.ly/46E5wi9

Attorney Regina Tsombanakis Explains How Juvenile Court May Give A Chance To Straighten Out Rather Than Incarceration https://loom.ly/lPbWR7M Attorney Regina Tsombanakis: Pioneering Reformative Justice in Florida's Juvenile Courts. Regina Tsombanakis, a distinguished criminal defense attorney, emphasizes the potential of juvenile court to offer reformative paths instead of incarceration. Understanding the psychology and unique circumstances of juveniles, she advocates for exploring individual interests and psychological assessments to steer youth away from criminal paths. Her approach is rooted in the belief that juvenile delinquency often stems from boredom or misdirected anger, not necessity. By closely monitoring progress, she works towards cases being dismissed upon seeing positive changes. Regina’s expertise extends beyond juvenile defense to encompass a wide range of legal services in Florida's criminal justice system. Her commitment to educating clients about their legal rights ensures they are well-informed and prepared for their legal journey. A recognized authority in domestic violence defense and an expert in navigating complex DUI regulations, she provides exceptional representation across various charges, including drug possession, assault and battery, robbery, and arson. Regina’s proficiency in Florida record expungement, federal court cases, and handling probation violations, including early termination or modification, highlights her comprehensive approach to criminal defense. Her dedication to defending and serving individuals at all stages of the legal process, especially juveniles, makes Regina Tsombanakis a formidable advocate in Florida’s legal arena. #ReginaTsombanakis #JuvenileJustice #FloridaLaw #LegalReform #SecondChances #YouthAdvocacy #CriminalDefense #KnowYourRights #LegalEmpowerment #YouthfulOffenders

The Massachusetts judiciary is still a work in progress when it comes to race and bias and criminal justice outcomes. In a 2020 Report by The Criminal Justice Policy Program at Harvard Law School, Black and Latinx people are more likely to have their cases resolved in the Massachusetts Superior Court where the available sentences are longer, both because they are more likely to receive charges for which the Superior Court exercises exclusive jurisdiction and because prosecutors are more likely to exercise their discretion to bring their cases in Superior Court instead of District Court when there is concurrent jurisdiction. • Black and Latinx people charged with drug offenses and weapons offenses are more likely to be incarcerated and receive longer incarceration sentences than white people charged with similar offenses. This difference persists after controlling for charge severity and additional factors. • Black and Latinx people charged with offenses carrying mandatory minimum sentences are substantially more likely to be incarcerated and receive longer sentences than White people facing charges carrying mandatory minimum incarceration sentences. #implicitbias

What a treat to hear Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty speak about the process for Prosecutor Initiated Sentence Adjustment (PISA) for Hennepin County cases at The Legal Revolution Community Education Event. Here are some key takeaways about the new process: 1. Applications are available online at www.hennepinattorney.org and should only be completed by the incarcerated person or their counsel (counsel is not required to apply). 2. HCAO will prioritize cases based on the individual being currently incarcerated, far out scheduled release dates, no open cases, and have served more than 3 years in custody. 3. Certain factors are to be considered by the prosecution according to state law found here: https://lnkd.in/gWsptMk3. PISA is OPTIONAL and will vary by each county on whether they choose to participate and what their process will look like. So far, only Hennepin County and Ramsey County have publicly chosen to participate and develop systems. #prosecution #statelaw #attorneys #newlaw #incarceration #courts #judicial #application #process #processmanagement

Restorative policing. Find this white paper and website on restorative policing--applying restorative justice principles to law enforcement. It's needed globally. https://lnkd.in/gHdjXbHu