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Fighting extreme sentences with empathy and understanding


Advancing Real Change, Inc. creates a more just world by advancing empathy, dignity, and equity within and beyond the criminal legal system. By Investigating the life histories of people accused of crimes and training defenders nationwide, we reduce extreme sentences and promote true justice.

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Changing the narrative to change the system

Our criminal legal system too often relies on false narratives: that some crimes render people unworthy of mercy, that individuals cannot change, and that everyone chooses the life they have. These fictions lead to dehumanization, discriminatory sentencing, and mass incarceration. 

The truth is that everyone has redeeming qualities, the capacity to grow and change, and particular experiences that impact their decisions. Advancing Real Change, Inc., unearths the life histories of people facing extreme sentences so we can share the truth about our clients with the judges, juries, and prosecutors who decide their fates. Sharing their life histories leads to more humane sentences and a more just criminal legal system.

Our Impact

Advancing Real Change, Inc., is transforming the lives of individuals and making a long-term impact on the criminal legal system.

94%

of our clients receive shorter and more humane sentences

3,500

criminal defense team members have accessed our training and resources

68%

of our cases have been in high-needs jurisdictions in the past 5 years

Upcoming Events

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Webinars

Navigating Public Record Requests: Minimizing Barriers to Client Records

As access to federal records faces increasing challenges, defenders should be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to…

  • June 17
  • 1:00 pm EDT
  • David Cuillier

Webinars

Understanding Defense Theories and How They Guide Case Work (hosted by NDIA)

Join NDIA for a session about understanding defense theories and how they shape the work conducted in our cases. From…

  • June 17
  • 3:00 pm EDT
  • Dominique Winters, Chief, Trial Division, Public Defender Service for DC

Ask a Mitigation Specialist

Ask a Mitigation Specialist – June 18

Ask a Mitigation Specialist, a resource program that allows defenders to meet directly and privately with a mitigation specialist for…

  • June 18
  • 3:00 pm EDT
  • Miriam Bankston & Elisa Quesada

2024 Impact Report

It is only with a true understanding of the individuals accused of crimes that judges, juries, prosecutors, and other decision-makers…

  • Published August 10, 2023
Conference

2025 Baltimore Seminar | Mitigation Practice: Key Tools and Strategies

Criminal defense practitioners, sentence reform advocates, and other justice partners are invited to attend the seminar, Mitigation Practice: Key Tools…

  • July 31
  • 8:00 am EDT
  • Various

  • “I learned so much about myself, this work, my group mates…I feel so much less alone”

     

    Writing Stories for Change participant, 2024
  • “I feel supported and inspired by the network of amazing folks and feel empowered to advocate for work that matches the ABA guidelines.”

    Jacksonville conference participant 2024

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