Freedom Ain’t Free — But Justice Should Be. Rebuilding Lives, One Exoneration at a Time.
Transforming Injustice Into Action:
Legal Support from Those Who’ve Lived It
If your case was turned down, labeled "too complex," or ignored by larger institutions, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Our founders, Mark Craghead and Lamarr Monson, built this organization to fight for those still trapped by wrongful convictions. From free consultations to dedicated legal aid and community education, we’re here to carry your fight forward.
FOUNDED BY EXONERERS: MARK CRAGHEAD AND LAMARR MONSON
How We Help!
Our work doesn’t stop at advocacy. We offer hands-on legal support and strategic resources for those wrongfully convicted or facing overwhelming legal battles. If you've been rejected, forgotten, or failed by the system, we’re here to help—because your freedom, rights, and future still matter.
Post-Conviction Case Review
Every Case Deserves a Second Look
Were you denied by an innocence clinic or told your case was “too complex”? Our legal team takes a deeper dive—reviewing transcripts, evidence, and misconduct to pursue the freedom others overlooked.
Legal Rights Consultations
Clarity for the Road Ahead
We provide free consultations to help you understand your legal options—whether you’re still incarcerated or navigating life after release. No legal jargon. Just answers, support, and next steps.
Trusted Legal Partners
Real Help, Real People, Real Plans
We partner with attorneys, paralegals, and investigators who believe in second chances. From affidavits to appeals, we help build the team you need to move your case forward.
Misconduct & False Confessions
We Don’t Let the System Silence the Truth
If your conviction involved coerced confessions or misconduct—like those tied to Detective Barbara Simon—we pursue justice with urgency and resolve. Your truth still matters.
Reentry & Record Clearing
Release Is Just the Beginning
We support exonerees and returning citizens with expungement guidance, job access resources, housing referrals, and reunification services—because rebuilding is part of your right, too.
Community Legal Education
Power Through Knowledge
We lead workshops and outreach campaigns to equip Detroiters with the tools to protect their freedom—before, during, and after contact with the legal system. Prevention is protection.
ABOUT US
Committed to Fighting Wrongful Convictions and Restoring Freedom with Purpose, Power, and Proven Experience
Built by Survivors. Backed by Truth.
We are a community-rooted legal support initiative founded by exonerees committed to transforming the lives of those failed by the justice system.
At Empower Detroit, we serve individuals who have been wrongfully convicted—especially those whose cases were denied by traditional innocence clinics. Our mission is personal: both of our founders, Mark Craghead and Lamarr Monson, spent decades in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. Today, they lead a movement focused on case review, legal rights education, community empowerment, and post-release support.
From investigative partnerships to reentry resources, we pursue justice with relentless advocacy and human-centered care. If the system gave up on you, we won’t.
Founded and led by exonerees with lived experience in wrongful conviction.
Focused on cases rejected by the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic and others.
Offering free consultations, rights education, and case reviews.
Actively partnering with attorneys, PIs, and advocates for stronger legal support.
Committed to reentry, restoration, and long-term freedom—not just release.
Meet the Team of Professionals
The fight for justice demands more than passion—it takes partnership. At Freedom Ain’t Free, we’re guided by a dedicated board, supported by professionals who believe in second chances, and powered by collaborators who show up when the system doesn’t. From legal experts to grassroots allies, our network is built on a shared belief: that every wrongful conviction is a wound to be healed—and a truth still worth uncovering.
Mark Craighead
Co-Founder
Lamar Monson
Co-Founder
Trische’ Duckworth
Partner
Janice Green (Jay Love)
Partner/Host
Darryl Mathis
Financial Advisor
Pam – Clinical Director
Trusting Konnections
Rick Insco
Mental Health Partner
Toye Nicholson
Accounts
Krista Poole
Board of Directors
TBD
[Role TBD]
Decades of Damage, Data, and Determination — The Fight for Freedom Continues
Wrongful convictions don’t just steal years—they fracture families, futures, and faith in the system.
Our work at Freedom Ain’t Free is grounded in the facts—and built for the fight ahead.
3,500+ Exonerations Recorded
More than 3,500 wrongful convictions have been overturned in the U.S. since 1989—yet many innocent people remain behind bars.
11.5 Years Lost per Person
The average exoneree spends over 11 years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit—time that can never be returned.
54% Involved Misconduct
Over half of all exoneration cases involved police, prosecutor, or official misconduct that contributed to the wrongful conviction.
95% Took Plea Deals
Most people—innocent or not—plead guilty under pressure. Over 95% of convictions never go to trial.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say About Us
I was overwhelmed after coming home—so much was stacked against me. But this team didn’t flinch. They reviewed my case, answered every question, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. For the first time, I felt like someone saw me beyond my record. They reminded me I still have a future.
– Rashid Mitchell
They didn’t just look at my paperwork—they looked at my life. Every conversation felt real, like I was finally being heard without judgment. They helped me prepare for what’s next, not just fight what’s behind me. This support gave me direction when I had none.
– James Carter
Most people gave up on my brother’s case years ago. But this team listened. They broke it down, showed us where things went wrong, and gave us hope backed by real strategy. Their work didn’t just bring clarity—it brought us peace we hadn’t felt in a long time.
– Holly Davis
LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND
INNOCENCE ADVOCATES
With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, we have built a reputation for providing reliable and results-driven solutions. Our team of experts and advocates are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every client.
Steven Crane
Private Investigator
Description TBD
ARTICLES TO ADVOCATE
Let's hold Barbara Simon accountable for her actions
We are fighting corruption
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is wrongful conviction in the U.S.?
Studies estimate that 4–6% of incarcerated individuals in the U.S. are innocent—meaning over 120,000 people may be behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. For the wrongfully convicted, the system often says “no.” That’s where we come in.
Why do so many wrongful convictions happen?
The top contributors include:
• Coerced confessions
• Misconduct by law enforcement or prosecutors (involved in 54% of exoneration cases)
• Plea deals made under pressure (95% of convictions)
• Faulty eyewitness testimony
• Flawed or misused forensic science
We focus especially on misconduct and false confessions—often the reason traditional innocence clinics reject complex cases.
What’s the average time someone spends wrongfully incarcerated?
People spend an average of 11.5 years behind bars before being exonerated. Many lose far more—missing out on family milestones, education, and their livelihoods.
What makes Freedom Ain’t Free different from other legal aid organizations?
We’re founded by exonerees, built for those who’ve been told “your case is too messy.” We don’t shy away from complexity—we live it. If the system gave up on you, we won’t.
What kind of legal help do you provide?
Our services include:
• Post-conviction case reviews
• Support with reentry, expungement, and record clearing
• Community-based legal education
• Investigations into misconduct and coerced confessions
• Referrals to trusted legal professionals (PIs, attorneys, paralegals)
We operate across Detroit and Southeast Michigan, with broader outreach as capacity allows.
Need Help Navigating Injustice? Let’s Talk.
Our team understands what it means to be overlooked, denied, or silenced by the legal system. Whether you’re seeking support for a wrongful conviction, need a second case review, or simply want to know your rights—we’re here to listen and assist.
we are committed to providing personalized, expert legal services tailored to your unique needs. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re navigating bankruptcy, financial recovery, or legal challenges. With years of experience, we ensure that your rights are protected and your future is secure. Contact us today and take the first step toward a better tomorrow.
Our Services
Post-Conviction Case Review
Bankruptcy Assistance
Bankruptcy Planning
Foreclosure Defense Services
Wage Garnishment Protection
Business Bankruptcy Services
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©Freedom Aint Free 2025 All Rights Reserved
Led by exonerees. Built for those the system overlooked.
We provide post-conviction case reviews, reentry support, and legal education for individuals wrongfully convicted—especially those turned away by traditional innocence clinics.
Freedom Ain’t Free — But Justice Should Be.
Our Services
Post-Conviction Case Review
Legal Rights Consultation
Reentry & Record Clearing Support
Misconduct Investigation
Legal Rights Workshops
Legal Referrals & Partnerships
Subscribe Now
Subscribe for updates on wrongful conviction news, case highlights, community resources, and ways to get involved—delivered straight to your inbox.
©Freedom Aint Free 2025 All Rights Reserved
Need Help Navigating Injustice? Let’s Talk.
Our team understands what it means to be overlooked, denied, or silenced by the legal system. Whether you’re seeking support for a wrongful conviction, need a second case review, or simply want to know your rights—we’re here to listen and assist.