NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project

Project News

Recent News Releases

NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project Disappointed in Small Number of Commutations in New York -- Washington, DC (June 17, 2020) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and FAMM (formerly known as Families Against Mandatory Minimums) expressed disappointment with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for commuting the sentences of only three individuals, while thousands await relief. One of the individuals whose applications were granted today were supported by volunteer attorneys through the NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project.

The NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project Reacts to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Exercise of Clemency Power -- Washington, DC (Dec. 27, 2017) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) praise New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for commuting the sentences of two prisoners today. As detailed in an official announcement released this afternoon, Governor Cuomo also pardoned 59 individuals today.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Families Against Mandatory Minimums Announce NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project -- Washington, DC (August 21, 2017) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM), with support from the Foundation for Criminal Justice (FCJ), announce today a major state-focused clemency initiative, the NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project, a program designed to help to recruit, train, and provide resource support to pro bono attorneys who assist state prisoners submit petitions to have their sentences commuted. Outreach has already begun to several governors’ offices across the nation. And Governor Cuomo of New York has just announced [Link to Cuomo News Release] a partnership with the NACDL/FAMM State Clemency Project to develop the necessary processes and procedures to enable volunteer lawyers through the project to help prisoners seeking clemency pursuant to the Governor’s initiative. The Project will provide logistical support for the governor’s initiative, among other ways, by recruiting and training volunteer lawyers to help prisoners apply for clemency.


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