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.
DonateOur 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.
Advancing Real Change, Inc., is transforming the lives of individuals and making a long-term impact on the criminal legal system.
of our clients receive shorter and more humane sentences
criminal defense team members have accessed our training and resources
of our cases have been in high-needs jurisdictions in the past 5 years
Ask a Mitigation Specialist, a resource program that allows defenders to meet directly and privately with a mitigation specialist for…
Amy Williams and Kristen Samuels
Advancing Real Change, Inc. will host quarterly one-hour Zoom calls for capital defenders on Mondays at 2:30 p.m. CT /…
Rita Radostitz
This presentation explores how deeply rooted biases against women and girls, especially those impacted by incarceration, institutionalization, and systemic violence,…
Marci Marie Simmons
It is only with a true understanding of the individuals accused of crimes that judges, juries, prosecutors, and other decision-makers…
Criminal defense practitioners, sentence reform advocates, and other justice partners are invited to attend the seminar, Mitigation Practice: Key Tools…
Various
Ask about our mitigation services, training and education offerings, consulting, or any question about our work and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
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