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Learn about Time Served's Systems-Change Advocacy efforts, working to reform the justice system and create lasting change for individuals impacted by incarceration. Systems-Change Advocacy At Time Served, we’re committed to reshaping the criminal justice landscape in South Carolina. Our work goes beyond individual representation; we advocate for system-wide change to correct injustices and create pathways for a fairer legal system. Innovative Legal Advocacy Our team doesn’t just work within the boundaries of current laws; we think outside the box, developing creative legal strategies to help our clients achieve their goals. However, even the most innovative representation is still shaped by the limits of existing legal frameworks. That’s why we’re proud to be part of South Carolina Justice Partners, a coalition of organizations and advocates working together to push for systemic change. Legal Support for System-Impacted Advocates Within the Justice Partners, Time Served functions as “legal tech support” for system-impacted advocates and reentry-focused organizations. Our role is to provide legal insights and support to those on the front lines, advocating for meaningful reform. We host and participate in events to bridge the gap between law and advocacy, including: Educational Events We help individuals and organizations understand the legal landscape, empowering them to be more informed advocates. Major Initiatives We host and participate in events that bring together community members, advocates, and legal professionals to envision a brighter future for justice in our state, such as our landmark event Reawakening Hope in February 2024. Visionary Legal Drafting In collaboration with advocates, we’re committed to envisioning and drafting laws and policies that will promote fairness and equity within the justice system. Amicus Briefing Support Time Served is honored to provide amicus curiae (friend of the court) support in cases that have the potential to set significant precedents affecting the system-involved population. Through amicus briefs, we bring critical perspectives to the court that highlight the broader implications of a ruling, advocating for justice on a systemic level. Building a Future of Justice Time Served believes that meaningful change is possible when we work together. By partnering with community advocates, reentry organizations, and the broader legal community, we aim to create pathways to justice and bring about lasting change. Together, let’s reimagine what justice can be. Are you an organization or advocate interested in joining forces with us? We’re always open to collaborations that drive our shared goal of a more just legal system. To connect with us on our systems-change work, please reach out to our Executive Director, Allison Elder, via email at aelder@timeserved-sc.org . Contact Us Today

Explore Time Served’s services for formerly incarcerated individuals, including reentry support, legal advocacy, and resources to help rebuild lives and create brighter futures. Services for Formerly Incarcerated Persons Time Served is committed to helping individuals with criminal records overcome the barriers they face. Whether the record is recent or decades old, our team assists in restoring rights, improving stability, and removing obstacles that hinder progress. We provide legal support for record cleaning, family stability, employment, housing, and more. Apply for Services Services for Individuals with Criminal Records Navigating life with a criminal record can bring endless challenges, impacting housing, employment, family relationships, and financial obligations. Time Served offers comprehensive legal assistance in the following areas to support stability and success for those affected by a criminal record: Record Cleaning Assistance with expungements and pardon representation to clear records and restore rights. Family Law Support Legal advice and representation for visitation, custody, and child support, especially when a period of incarceration or a criminal record has complicated family dynamics. Supervision-Related Guidance Help with probation or parole issues, including administrative hearings related to supervision requirements. Driver’s License Reinstatement Assistance in navigating reinstatement processes and overcoming obstacles related to driving privileges. Financial Obligation Management Support for understanding and handling court-imposed financial obligations, including fines, fees, and restitution. Registry Removal and Redress Legal assistance in addressing wrongful or outdated registry requirements, helping to remove unnecessary restrictions under current laws. Key Areas of Focus Our services are targeted toward improving stability in three primary areas: housing, employment, and family. Housing Stability Employment Stability Family Stability Safe and stable housing is essential for rebuilding a life after incarceration. Unfortunately, criminal records often prevent individuals from accessing housing, with 79% of formerly incarcerated people facing denial due to past convictions. Even minor offenses, like disorderly conduct or simple possession, can have a lasting impact on housing eligibility. At our Triune Mercy Center office in Greenville, we work closely with individuals in need of housing support. Join us at Homeless Court on the first Monday of each month to receive guidance and assistance from our team as we help clients navigate the challenges of securing housing with a record. Breaking the cycle of poverty is a cornerstone of our mission. The economic impact of a criminal record is severe, as involvement with the legal system often deepens pre-existing financial struggles. Many formerly incarcerated people find themselves in temporary jobs without benefits or fair wages. Studies show that individuals with criminal records are 50% less likely to receive job callbacks, and only 40% are employed full-time five years post-release. Our record-cleaning services can make a substantial difference. Expunging a record has been shown to increase annual wages by 23%, helping clients move toward economic independence and a more stable future. Keeping families together is critical for community well-being. Nearly half of U.S. children have a parent with a criminal record, and these children often face increased risks of depression, behavioral issues, and poor educational outcomes. Time Served is dedicated to lessening the impact of a criminal record on children and families, helping parents secure the legal assistance they need for reunification and support. Our clients often seek to rebuild relationships with their children and provide a stable home. By addressing family law concerns and improving financial and housing stability, we help parents lay a solid foundation for a better future for themselves and their children. Empowering Change & Restoring Dignity Time Served stands beside those with criminal records, helping them reclaim rights, restore family connections, secure housing, and build a stable life. We believe that every person deserves a second chance to thrive. If you or a loved one needs support, reach out today. Together, we can dismantle barriers and build a bridge forward. Contact Us Today

Read Time Served's Privacy Policy to understand how we protect your personal information and ensure your privacy while engaging with our website and services. Privacy Policy Donor Privacy Policy Time Served respects the privacy of our donors (both online and offline) and their choice not to have personal information shared with others. We do not and will not sell or rent donor information; however, occasionally we make donor mailing lists available to select, reputable nonprofits in return for donor lists from those organizations. This helps Time Served continue to grow. In addition, we may provide donor information to companies that help Time Served improve our fundraising efforts, such as mail service providers, online donation processing vendors, donor data management systems, and other services. We also disclose donor information as required by law. Our donors may instruct that we exclude them from our own communications and/or exclude their information from the lists that we share with others for use in their fundraising or marketing purposes. All such requests will be implemented as soon as possible. Please direct these requests to info@tsscnow.org or by mail to: P.O. Box 615, Taylors, SC 29687. Time Served may, from time to time, change this policy. If you would like to be notified when we do so, please contact info@tsscnow.org or the address above. Website Privacy Policy Time Served ("Company" or "We") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through our compliance with this policy. This policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you visit the website tsscnow.org (our "Website") and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information. This policy applies to information we collect: On this Website; and In email, text, and other electronic messages between you and Time Served. This policy does not apply to information collected by: Us offline or through any other means, including on any other website operated by Company or any third party; or Any third party, including through any application or content that may link to or be accessible from or on the Website. Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, your choice is to not use our Website. By accessing or using this Website, you agree to this privacy policy. This policy may change from time to time. Your continued use of this Website after we make changes is deemed to be acceptance of those changes, so please check the policy periodically for updates. Children Under the Age of 16 Our Website is not intended for children under 16 years of age. No one under age 16 may provide any information to or on the Website. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are under 16, do not use or provide any information on this Website or on or through any of its features. If we learn we have collected or received personal information from a child under 16 without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information. If you believe we might have any information from or about a child under 16, please contact us at info@tsscnow.org . Information We Collect About You and How We Collect It We collect several types of information from and about users of our Website, including information: By which you may be personally identified, such as name, postal address, e-mail address, telephone number, or any other identifier by which you may be contacted online or offline (“personal information“); That is about you but individually does not identify you; and, About your internet connection, the equipment you use to access our Website, and usage details. We collect this information: Directly from you when you provide it to us; Automatically as you navigate through the site. Information collected automatically may include usage details, IP addresses, and information collected through cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies; and From third parties, for example, our business partners. Information You Provide to Us The information we collect on or through our Website may include: Information that you provide by filling in forms on our Website. This includes information provided at the time of requesting services. We may also ask you for information when you enter a contest or promotion sponsored by us, and when you report a problem with our Website; Records and copies of your correspondence (including email addresses), if you contact us; Your responses to surveys that we might ask you to complete for research purposes; and Your search queries on the Website. You also may provide information to be published or displayed (hereinafter, “posted“) on public areas of the Website or transmitted to other users of the Website or third parties (collectively, “User Contributions“). Your User Contributions are posted on and transmitted to others at your own risk. Although we limit access to certain pages, please be aware that no security measures are perfect or impenetrable. Additionally, we cannot control the actions of other users of the Website with whom you may choose to share your User Contributions. Therefore, we cannot and do not guarantee that your User Contributions will not be viewed by unauthorized persons. Information We Collect Through Automatic Data Collection Technologies As you navigate through and interact with our Website, we may use automatic data collection technologies to collect certain information about your equipment, browsing actions, and patterns, including: Details of your visits to our Website, including traffic data, location data, logs, and other communication data and the resources that you access and use on the Website. Information about your computer and internet connection, including your IP address, operating system, and browser type. The information we collect automatically may include personal information, or we may maintain it or associate it with personal information we collect in other ways or receive from third parties. It helps us to improve our Website and to deliver a better and more personalized service, including by enabling us to: Estimate our audience size and usage patterns; Store information about your preferences, allowing us to customize our Website according to your individual interests; Speed up your searches; and Recognize you when you return to our Website. The technologies we use for this automatic data collection may include: Cookies (or browser cookies). A cookie is a small file placed on the hard drive of your computer. You may refuse to accept browser cookies by activating the appropriate setting on your browser. However, if you select this setting you may be unable to access certain parts of our Website. Unless you have adjusted your browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, our system will issue cookies when you direct your browser to our Website. Flash Cookies. Certain features of our Website may use local stored objects (or Flash cookies) to collect and store information about your preferences and navigation to, from, and on our Website. Flash cookies are not managed by the same browser settings as are used for browser cookies. Web Beacons. Pages of our Website and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) that permit the Company, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of certain website content and verifying system and server integrity). Third-Party Use of Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies Some content or applications on the Website are served by third-parties. These third parties may use cookies alone or in conjunction with web beacons or other tracking technologies to collect information about you when you use our website. The information they collect may be associated with your personal information or they may collect information, including personal information, about your online activities over time and across different websites and other online services. They may use this information to provide you with interest-based (behavioral) advertising or other targeted content. How We Use Your Information We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any personal information: To present our Website and its contents to you; To provide you with information or services that you request from us; To fulfill any other purpose for which you provide it; To notify you about changes to our Website or any products or services we offer or provide though it; To allow you to participate in interactive features on our Website; In any other way we may describe when you provide the information; For any other purpose with your consent or other uses to advance Time Served’s institutional mission; and To allow you to make donations to Time Served. We may also use your information to contact you about services that may be of interest to you. If you do not want us to use your information in this way, please adjust your user preferences in your account profile. Disclosure of Your Information We may disclose aggregated information about our users, and information that does not identify any individual, without restriction. We may disclose personal information that we collect or you provide as described in this privacy policy: To contractors, service providers, and other third parties we use to support our business and who are bound by contractual obligations to keep personal information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them; To fulfill the purpose for which you provide it; For any other purpose disclosed by us when you provide the information; and With your consent. We may also disclose your personal information: To comply with any court order, law, or legal process, including to respond to any government or regulatory request; To enforce or apply our terms of use and other agreements, including for billing and collection purposes; If we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to protect the rights, property, or safety of Time Served, our customers, or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for the purposes of fraud protection. Choices About How We Use and Disclose Your Information We strive to provide you with choices regarding the personal information you provide to us. We have created mechanisms to provide you with the following control over your information: Tracking Technologies and Advertising. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. To learn how you can manage your Flash cookie settings, visit the Flash player settings page on Adobe’s website. If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of this site may then be inaccessible or not function properly. Promotional Offers from the Company. If you do not wish to have your email address used by the Company to promote our own or third parties’ products or services, you can opt out by logging into the Website and adjusting your user preferences in your account profile by checking or unchecking the relevant boxes or by sending us an email stating your request to info@tsscnow.org . If we have sent you a promotional email, you may send us a return email asking to be omitted from future email distributions. This opt out does not apply to information provided to the Company as a result of donation or other transactions. We do not control third parties’ collection or use of your information to serve interest-based advertising. However these third parties may provide you with ways to choose not to have your information collected or used in this way. You can opt out of receiving targeted ads from members of the Network Advertising Initiative (“NAI“) on the NAI’s website . Accessing and Correcting Your Information You can review and change your personal information by sending us an email at info@tsscnow.org to request access to, correct, or delete any personal information that you have provided to us. We may not accommodate a request to change information if we believe the change would violate any law or legal requirement or cause the information to be incorrect. If you delete your User Contributions from the Website, copies of your User Contributions may remain viewable in cached and archived pages, or might have been copied or stored by other Website users. Proper access and use of information provided on the Website, including User Contributions, is governed by our terms of use. Third Party Data Time Served obtains contact details and other personal information regarding media contacts and influencers from a variety of sources including Cision. If you wish to know more about how such information is collected and used, please refer to Cision's privacy notice at www.cision.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/ . Changes to Our Privacy Policy It is our policy to post any changes we make to our privacy policy on this page with a notice that the privacy policy has been updated on the Website home page. If we make material changes to how we treat our users’ personal information, we will notify you through a notice on the Website home page. The date the privacy policy was last revised is identified at the top of the page. You are responsible for ensuring we have an up-to-date active and deliverable email address for you, and for periodically visiting our Website and this privacy policy to check for any changes. Contact Information To ask questions or comment about this privacy policy and our privacy practices, contact us at: info@tsscnow.org . To register a complaint or concern, please send an email to info@tsscnow.org or mail us at the address above.

Time Served Hosts "Reawakening Hope" < Back Megan Powell Mar 9, 2024 “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu For people serving life with parole sentences in South Carolina, the hope for release on parole dwindles with every passing day. South Carolina currently has one of the lowest parole rate grants in the entire country , and as a result, some of the people who deserve release the most are being kept in prison. “I know for a fact I will never violate the law again. I’d be a fool to come back here if given a chance for parole,” said a currently incarcerated person. On February 19th, Time Served hosted Reawakening Hope—a collaborative event aimed at energizing and motivating advocates from all over South Carolina who care about sentencing, parole, and reentry reform, and providing a glimmer of hope for the people who are currently incarcerated in South Carolina. “This is the first time I’ve seen this,” said Jerry Blassingame, Founder and Executive Director of Soteria CDC. “I’ve been out 25 years, and this is the first time that I’ve seen formerly incarcerated people in a room getting ready to organize.” Photos courtesy of Isaac Ellison, Time Capsule Media, LLC. Time Served is extremely grateful for Mr. Ellison's donation of his time and services in covering this event. The crowd was comprised of a record-breaking number of formerly incarcerated advocates, loved ones of currently incarcerated people, and colleagues from local and national organizations, including: · The Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth; · Families Against Mandatory Minimums; · South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; · University of South Carolina School of Law; · Justice360; · South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center; · Soteria CDC; · JumpStart; · FreshStart Visions 5.0; · And more. In addition to hearing stories of hope and change from formerly incarcerated advocates, we discussed the 2024 policy priorities of the SCJP, which include reforming South Carolina’s broken parole and compassionate release systems, eliminating juvenile life without parole, and passing Ban the Box legislation. Previous Next

Learn about Time Served’s mission to support individuals impacted by the justice system. We provide advocacy, resources, and opportunities to help build brighter futures. About Us Our Story Time Served was founded in 2023 by a team of passionate women lawyers with combined decades of experience in the criminal legal system. Time Served is a South Carolina-grown legal aid organization designed to meet the needs of those most impacted by mass incarceration in our state. Our clients have already overcome immense hurdles, survived traumas, and are ready to be wholly restored to the community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing legal services and systems-change advocacy for South Carolinians with prior criminal system involvement. Our clients’ needs vary, from record cleaning for old charges that are still holding them back and family reunification assistance after incarceration, to medical release or parole representation after decades in prison. Time Served provides legal services free of charge, because we believe that finding the money to hire a lawyer shouldn’t be another barrier that system-impacted people have to overcome in order to break free of the cycle of mass incarceration. OUR MISSION Our Mission Our mission is to improve the lives of currently and formerly incarcerated South Carolinians through direct legal services and litigation, and to dismantle extreme sentencing in South Carolina, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations whose criminal system involvement was rooted in part in other traumas and injustices they have experienced. OUR TEAM Our Team Allison Elder EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR More About Allison Megan Powell DEPUTY DIRECTOR More About Megan Amanda Belfiore REENTRY LEGAL SERVICES ATTORNEY More About Amanda Mar'Quez ("Mo") Oglesby PARALEGAL More About Mar'Quez Ndayishimiye "Flo" Florence DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE More About Flo Debbie Kasle VOLUNTEER More About Debbie Kaylie Stapleton VOLUNTEER PARALEGAL More About Kaylie

Mar'Quez Oglesby is a paralegal at Time Served. Meet Our Paralegal BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO ABOUT US Mar'Quez (Mo) Oglesby PARALEGAL Mar'Quez ("Mo") Oglesby is a paralegal at Time Served, dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. A Greenville, South Carolina native, he is currently pursuing his associate degree in paralegal studies at Greenville Technical College, with plans to continue his education in legal studies. Mo is passionate about this work because he sees firsthand how the system has created unfair barriers for many people. He is committed to helping clients navigate these challenges and move forward with confidence. Outside of work, Mo enjoys staying active with walks in the park and working out. He also has a creative side, spending time scrapbooking, reading, and exploring new places through travel. Email Mar'Quez

Ana Walker is a member of the Time Served Board of Directors. BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ana Walker BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CHAIR Biography coming soon!

Taylor Gilliam is a member of the Time Served Board of Directors. BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Taylor Gilliam BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SECRETARY Taylor Gilliam is secretary of the Time Served Board of Directors. He is the Pro Bono Director at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a 2011 graduate of The Citadel and received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2014. The current President of the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division, Taylor has previously served on various committees within the YLD and was named “Young Lawyer of the Year” in 2020. Prior to joining the law school, he was an Appellate Defender at the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense. Taylor has handled over 300 cases before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court, including 20 oral arguments. Taylor is also a graduate of the South Carolina Bar Leadership Academy, class of 2019. He is a former Chair of the Public Service Committee of the Richland County Bar Association, which recently held its sixth annual “Practical Knowledge for Any Attorney” CLE.

Discover Time Served’s services for incarcerated individuals, including legal advocacy, support, and resources to help pave the way for successful reentry and brighter futures. Services for Incarcerated Persons At Time Served, we are dedicated to advocating for those currently incarcerated, supporting both their journey toward reentry and their fight for justice. Our mission centers on dismantling extreme sentences, addressing wrongful convictions, and providing crucial support to ensure a smoother reentry into society. Apply for Services Our Representation Services for Release Time Served offers skilled representation to incarcerated South Carolinians, with a focus on reducing extreme sentences and challenging wrongful convictions. Our team is committed to securing fair treatment and just outcomes for those affected by harsh sentencing policies. Parole Representation We specialize in representing those serving life sentences, advocating tirelessly for their parole and reintegration into the community. Compassionate Release For incarcerated individuals facing serious illness, we seek compassionate release, prioritizing their dignity and quality of life during end-of-life care. Sentence Reductions & Clarifications We work to secure sentence reductions and provide clarity around sentencing, helping clients and their families navigate complex legal scenarios that impact release dates and future opportunities. Redressing Wrongful Convictions Fighting for justice is at the heart of our mission. We seek to overturn wrongful convictions, pursuing freedom for those who have been unjustly imprisoned. Representation for Smoother Reentry Reentry begins within the prison walls, and Time Served is committed to preparing incarcerated individuals for a successful transition back into society. We offer legal assistance in the following areas: Detainers & Credit for Time Served We help resolve detainers and ensure credit is applied for time served, so clients can return home promptly when eligible. Family Law Support To ease the transition back to family life, we provide guidance on child support, custody, and visitation matters, supporting a reconnection with loved ones. Medical Advocacy For incarcerated individuals with significant health concerns, we offer advocacy to ensure they receive proper medical care while preparing for reentry. Additional Support Our team also provides counsel on probation concerns, pending charges, and other legal issues that may impact reentry, setting a foundation for a stable future post-release. Why Choose Time Served? Time Served stands for hope, justice, and the belief in second chances. We understand that incarceration impacts more than the individual—it affects families, communities, and society as a whole. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to offering a path forward, fighting for fair treatment, and restoring dignity to those navigating the criminal justice system. If you or a loved one needs support, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can build a bridge from incarceration to a brighter future. Contact Us Today

Megan Powell, Esq. is the Deputy Director of Time Served. Meet Our Deputy Director BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO ABOUT US Megan Powell DEPUTY DIRECTOR Email Megan Megan is the Deputy Director and co-founder of Time Served. A proud Spartanburg native, Megan has always believed in the promise of a better South Carolina—one where dignity and second chances are part of the legal system. Megan graduated with honors in Political Science from Converse University in 2019, then earned her J.D. from the Charleston School of Law in 2022. While in law school, she logged over 120 hours of pro bono service, advocating for indigent clients and working with the ACLU’s Criminal Justice & Policy team. There, she saw firsthand how incarceration creates barriers that can last long after release, and committed to dismantling them. Her work earned her the Woman of the Year award for her dedication to social justice and empowerment. She also gained experience clerking at a civil litigation firm in Greenville. After law school, Megan was admitted to the South Carolina Bar and began her legal career as a Staff Attorney with Root & Rebound, where she provided legal support to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals across the state—from parole hearings to medical advocacy and everything in between. Today, Megan helps lead Time Served's mission by providing direct legal services to hundreds of clients and advocating for justice and reentry support. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her three younger brothers and two goddaughters, who keep her on her toes. She is a passionate hockey fan (go Red Wings!), an amateur baker, and the resident jokester in her book club. Bar Admissions and Memberships: State of South Carolina South Carolina Bar, Young Lawyer's Division South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Guides At Time Served, we believe that access to justice includes widely-available community access to legal information and processes. That's why our team works to create educational Legal Guides related to our work. Please note that the Guides available here are based on general information and not tailored to your specific case. If you would like a specific review of your legal issue, contact us to apply for services. South Carolina Pardon Guide (English) 2025 Second Chance Day - Advocacy Information Packet 2025 Expungement Update - South Carolina Constitutional Carry Act

Time Served Collaborates with FCC to Host Public Commentary Event < Back Shirene Hansotia Feb 1, 2024 Your voice matters! Twenty years ago, a grandmother in Washington, DC wrote a letter to the FCC requesting they look into the steep cost of prison phone calls. At the time, Ms. Wright-Reed was struggling with many serious underlying health issues and subsisting on a meager budget. She faced difficult decisions, often forsaking paying for all of her necessary medications in order to have the funds to speak to her incarcerated grandson. Last year, legislation was passed in her name. The recently adopted Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 directs the FCC to adopt just and reasonable in-state communication rates between incarcerated people and their loved ones. On February 1, 2024, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and former FCC acting chairwoman and member Mignon Clyburn traveled to North Charleston, South Carolina to hold a listening session, gathering testimony from four formerly incarcerated men and women with lived experience trying to maintain familial relationships by phone while incarcerated. These four participants spoke eloquently about their experiences in federal and state prisons, struggling to maintain contact with loved ones, and often having to choose between food or phone calls. They also described frequent dropped calls and a severe shortage of phones within prison facilities, making communication very difficult. "For too many years, families and friends of incarcerated people have struggled with the outrageous costs charged for communicating with their loved ones,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “The FCC has long fought this problem using our existing rules, but they limited us to regulating interstate rates. Thanks to Congress and the President, this new law gives the FCC new authority to oversee state rates. I hope my colleagues will support me in taking the next steps to lowering the cost of prison phone bills so that incarcerated people can affordably stay connected with families and loved ones.” The FCC is still accepting public comment regarding incarcerated people's communication services . To file an express comment: Go to www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express Indicate the docket number of the proceeding as "23-62" and "12-374" Add your name, basic contact information, and type your brief comments. Check the box at the bottom of the form acknowledging that you are filing a comment into an official FCC proceeding. After submitting your comments, press "Continue to review screen," review your filing, and then press "Submit." Time Served was grateful to collaborate with the FCC and #Turn90 in bringing voices to speak about the high costs of communication in prisons in South Carolina. Previous Next