DOwn by law

Empowering communities through accessible education.

Justice Isn't Abstract.

Down by Law was born from lived experience — the kind that doesn't come from a textbook or a policy brief, but from courtrooms, waiting rooms, and halls of power that were never designed to welcome everyday people.

For Us, It's Personal.

Our Story

In the early 2000s, a father was sentenced to 60 years in prison on a marijuana charge — leaving behind a daughter who refused to accept that as the end of the story.

For seven years, that daughter fought. She lobbied representatives and senators. She showed up to criminal justice hearings and slipped out of school to meet with elected officials before the ink on the agenda was dry. She learned the language of a system that had taken her father — and she used it against the very walls built to keep families like hers out.

In 2016, her father came home.

In 2024, the two of them sat down together — father and daughter — and asked a simple question: What if no family had to figure this out alone?

That father and daughter are the co-founders of Down by Law. and Down by Law is their answer.

Our mission

We exist to demystify the justice system for the people it impacts most. Through education, advocacy, and community investment, we equip justice-impacted individuals and families with the tools, knowledge, and voice to navigate — and transform — a system that has long operated out of public sight.

PATHWAYS TO JUSTICE

Court System Education Most people don't know how the court system works until they're already inside it. We change that. Through workshops, community sessions, and accessible resources, we break down how courts operate — in plain language, for real people.

Reentry Workshops Coming home is only the beginning — but most people don't understand what that journey actually looks like until it's their reality. Our reentry workshops use immersive simulations to walk participants through the lived experience of reentering society after incarceration. From housing and employment barriers to navigating supervision requirements, these simulations build real empathy and practical awareness for individuals, families, and communities alike.

Judicial Accountability & ElectionsNot all judges are appointed. Many are elected — and most people have no idea who's on their ballot or what those judges believe. We do. We hold judges accountable to the communities they serve and ensure voters have the information they need when judicial seats are on the line.

Legislative & Policy AdvocacyWe show up where decisions are made. From statehouses to public hearings, Down by Law advocates for criminal justice reform that reflects the humanity of those most affected by the system.

Who We Serve We center justice-impacted families and individuals returning home from incarceration — because they are the experts on what this system actually does to people. But our doors are open to anyone who believes that understanding the law is a right, not a privilege.

our team

Formerly incarcerated individuals, legal professionals, justice impacted individuals and community organizers with deep ties to the communities we serve.

This diverse expertise ensures our programming remains relevant, accessible, and impactful.