USC Post-Conviction Justice Project

03/20/2026

Another life-changing win! Congratulations to PCJP client Moises and student Amber Nunnery on his release following a successful parole hearing.
Moises was sentenced to 115 years to Life for a crime he committed at age 21. In 2023, Governor Newsom commuted his sentence based on his exceptional rehabilitation. He was released after serving 18 years during which time he obtained a bachelor’s degree, trained service dogs, and facilitated self-help programming for Spanish speakers.

Moises and Amber reflected on their experience working together:

“PCJP gave me the opportunity to see the hope in myself and to help build a better society.”

“Being part of Moises’s journey home showed me the power of advocacy, redemption, and believing in people’s capacity to change.”

To learn more about what we do and who we fight for, visit our website at the link in our bio.

02/27/2026

Professor Heidi Rummel in conversation with Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman on “The Evolution of Crime and Punishment in California: What’s Next?” hosted by CalMatters. The panel explored how the state’s approach to incarceration and rehabilitation has shifted and what that means for the future of criminal justice. Read the full feature from CalMatters at the link in our bio or watch the recording on YouTube.

04/22/2025

Last semester, PCJP participated in the Second Chance Summit hosted by the University of San Francisco School of Law. PCJP Co-Director Heidi Rummel and Staff Attorney/ Legal Fellow Danielle Wilkins shared their expertise on leveraging legal strategies from the lifer parole process to advocate for clients’ safe release. Former clients Tony, Dara, and  K, reflected on their lived experiences during and after incarceration. Thank you to Lara Bazelon and Charlie Keever from USF Law School for having us!

04/11/2025

Congratulations to former PCJP client Kunlyna (K) and student Avery Brogle on a successful AB 600 resentencing! After serving 18 years of a 50 years to life sentence, K was released. Here are quotes from Avery and K about their experience: 

“It was impactful to work with K’s many supporters to be character witnesses at his hearing and to hear the amazing things they had to say about him. K has worked so hard to change his life and to be a positive force in his community, and I’m excited for this next chapter of his life!” 

“I feel blessed to have worked with the PCJP team. The care and compassion have meant more to me than anything I’ve experienced in my life. Heidi, Danielle and Avery saw me as the man I could be—a man truly sorry for his actions. PCJP gave me a chance to demonstrate my remorse, and better than freedom, their work now allows me to engage in a restorative justice process with one of the people I harmed. Thank you, PCJP.”

02/13/2025

Since 1981, PCJP has trained hundreds of law students to stand for justice and advocate for second chances. To learn more about our students for the 2024-2025 school year, visit the PCJP website through the link in our bio.

12/24/2024

Wishing you a Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

04/26/2024

Last Sunday, our students, staff, and clients had a fantastic time at PCJP’s annual freedom celebration, “Freedom and Tacos.” Huge thanks to our dedicated students and staff for their unwavering commitment to their clients throughout the school year!

04/26/2024

04/15/2024

PCJP’s Fight on for Freedom program provides an unique experience for our students and staff, giving them the opportunity to teach parole readiness workshops in California prisons. Students meet with participants for one-on-one consultation about their own parole readiness preparation. Here is a quote from one of our current students, Sophia Bordofsky:

“It’s an incredibly special feeling to see the seeds of hope being planted in the participants. Helping these individuals develop insight, gain confidence, and know they aren’t forgotten by the outside world creates an invaluable experience.”

04/12/2024

PCJP offers students the chance to work one-on-one with clients teaching them the importance of vulnerability, healing, and self-growth during the parole process. PCJP also provides in-person parole readiness workshops taught by our staff and students to prepare participants for future parole hearings. Here is a quote from one of our current students, Leelah Hatcher:

“I can’t express how happy I was for my client to be granted parole. The work she put into her own self-healing and growth is demonstrative of the importance of second chances. I’m very proud of the work she has done.”

04/08/2024

Congratulations to PCJP client Shannon and student Bridget on her release. Sentenced 25 years to life, Shannon was able to return home after 19 years of incarceration.

Here is a quote from IIka, a past client who worked with us on Shannon’s release.

“PCJP has been the most rewarding experience at USC and being on the team of exemplary law students and supervisors who represented Shannon is an honor. The best part of PCJP is having the opportunity to practice everything we learn in school and really fight for deserving people to get their second chance and earn their freedom. I have not met a stronger, sweeter, or person more deserving of a second chance than Shannon.”

03/29/2024

Last month, PCJP clients presented on a panel at Jody Armour’s class hosted by the Prism Way. students were able to attend and learn more about incarceration and hear each panelist’s unique experience during and after incarceration.