My name is Matthew Charles, and I'm a criminal justice reform fellow for FAMM. This position allows me to go around the nation sharing my story and ideas concerning the dire need for criminal justice reform on all levels.
In 1996, I was sentenced to 35 years in prison for felony drug and firearm violations in Tennessee. I served just over 22 years before being released in January 2019 thanks to the First Step Act — legislation that FAMM fought to pass.
While incarcerated, I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ. That decision changed my perspective on everything. I was inspired to live a positive lifestyle, and went on to mentor younger people and work as a GED tutor and law library clerk.
Today, I can advocate for people who are in the position I once was because I was given a second chance. I believe I'm deserving of this opportunity, as are the thousands of individuals still languishing in prison.
There are many people in state and federal prisons who continue to suffer under overly harsh sentences that do not promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, or lower crime rates, and we have to do something about it.
