Keith Wattley
@keithwattley.bsky.social
Executive Director of UnCommon Law; Attorney and Advocate for people serving long and life sentences
Reposted by Keith Wattley
No, this isn't rage bait. 2025 is wrapping up, and the U.S. is still a leader in mass incarceration.
The data is clear: The U.S. criminal legal system is out of step with the rest of the world. It's time to end the failed experiment of mass incarceration, once and for all.
The data is clear: The U.S. criminal legal system is out of step with the rest of the world. It's time to end the failed experiment of mass incarceration, once and for all.
December 4, 2025 at 3:45 PM
No, this isn't rage bait. 2025 is wrapping up, and the U.S. is still a leader in mass incarceration.
The data is clear: The U.S. criminal legal system is out of step with the rest of the world. It's time to end the failed experiment of mass incarceration, once and for all.
The data is clear: The U.S. criminal legal system is out of step with the rest of the world. It's time to end the failed experiment of mass incarceration, once and for all.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Calvin Duncan, a former prisoner who was wrongly incarcerated for nearly 30 years, wins Orleans clerk of court race
He ran as someone who struggled for years to retrieve his own case records in his bid to prove his innocence
He ran as someone who struggled for years to retrieve his own case records in his bid to prove his innocence
Calvin Duncan wins Orleans clerk of court race - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan, a political newcomer and former prisoner, defeated incumbent Darren Lombard by a wide margin in Saturday's runoff.
veritenews.org
November 16, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Calvin Duncan, a former prisoner who was wrongly incarcerated for nearly 30 years, wins Orleans clerk of court race
He ran as someone who struggled for years to retrieve his own case records in his bid to prove his innocence
He ran as someone who struggled for years to retrieve his own case records in his bid to prove his innocence
Reposted by Keith Wattley
A look back at the moments that brought our community together at last year’s UnCommon Heroes. Join us Nov 1, 1–4 pm, at The Bridge Yard in Oakland as we welcome people returning home from prison and honor Amika Mota & Tinisch Hollins. Learn more: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes
October 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
A look back at the moments that brought our community together at last year’s UnCommon Heroes. Join us Nov 1, 1–4 pm, at The Bridge Yard in Oakland as we welcome people returning home from prison and honor Amika Mota & Tinisch Hollins. Learn more: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Parole can & should be a meaningful pathway for release. But for too many, it is out of reach.
Join us on Oct 8th, to discuss how to make parole a system that safely reduces prison populations, strengthens families, & promotes public safety.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Join us on Oct 8th, to discuss how to make parole a system that safely reduces prison populations, strengthens families, & promotes public safety.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
October 6, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Parole can & should be a meaningful pathway for release. But for too many, it is out of reach.
Join us on Oct 8th, to discuss how to make parole a system that safely reduces prison populations, strengthens families, & promotes public safety.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Join us on Oct 8th, to discuss how to make parole a system that safely reduces prison populations, strengthens families, & promotes public safety.
Register: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Each homecoming is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in both healing and in one another. These moments point us back to what holds us together: community. That’s why we hope you’ll join us on November 1 for UnCommon Heroes. Learn more: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes
October 2, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Each homecoming is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in both healing and in one another. These moments point us back to what holds us together: community. That’s why we hope you’ll join us on November 1 for UnCommon Heroes. Learn more: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes
Reposted by Keith Wattley
UnCommon Heroes returns Nov 1 at The Bridge Yard, Oakland! Your continued support helps make this work possible. Standing with us means standing with the people we serve and makes you a vital part of our mission and this homecoming. RSVP today: uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes.
September 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
UnCommon Heroes returns Nov 1 at The Bridge Yard, Oakland! Your continued support helps make this work possible. Standing with us means standing with the people we serve and makes you a vital part of our mission and this homecoming. RSVP today: uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes.
Darby spent countless hours crafting this guide for those who can’t afford an attorney to help protect their rights. We’re so proud of her and of this vital tool for incarcerated folks.
Meet Darby, UnCommon Law's staff attorney who has been leading the work of our Parole Denial Habeas Handbook since 2022! This step-by-step guide is designed to help people in CA challenge illegal parole denials in state court. Download today: uncommonlaw.org/s/Challenging-a-Parole-Guide.pdf
September 12, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Darby spent countless hours crafting this guide for those who can’t afford an attorney to help protect their rights. We’re so proud of her and of this vital tool for incarcerated folks.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
📢 We’re so excited to announce UnCommon Law’s new FREE handbook: Challenging Your Parole Denial in California State Court! Download the handbook today at www.uncommonlaw.org/s/Challenging-a-Parole-Guide.pdf
August 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
📢 We’re so excited to announce UnCommon Law’s new FREE handbook: Challenging Your Parole Denial in California State Court! Download the handbook today at www.uncommonlaw.org/s/Challenging-a-Parole-Guide.pdf
Reposted by Keith Wattley
As we near the end of May, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we’re spotlighting members of our clinical team whose lived experiences and deep commitment to healing guide our work.
May 29, 2025 at 9:36 PM
As we near the end of May, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we’re spotlighting members of our clinical team whose lived experiences and deep commitment to healing guide our work.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
A very powerful day yesterday at Lancaster, where meaningful conversations highlighted the impact and critical need for our Home After Harm program in maximum security prisons.
Thank you to everyone who showed up to witness what’s possible when healing replaces harm.
Thank you to everyone who showed up to witness what’s possible when healing replaces harm.
May 10, 2025 at 7:59 PM
A very powerful day yesterday at Lancaster, where meaningful conversations highlighted the impact and critical need for our Home After Harm program in maximum security prisons.
Thank you to everyone who showed up to witness what’s possible when healing replaces harm.
Thank you to everyone who showed up to witness what’s possible when healing replaces harm.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Our 2024 Annual Report is here: a reflection of a year rooted in healing, advocacy, and collective impact. Thank you to all of our advocates and supporters who stood with us and helped strengthen our mission.
Read the full report: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/s/UnCommon-Law-2024-Annual-Report.pdf
Read the full report: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/s/UnCommon-Law-2024-Annual-Report.pdf
May 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Our 2024 Annual Report is here: a reflection of a year rooted in healing, advocacy, and collective impact. Thank you to all of our advocates and supporters who stood with us and helped strengthen our mission.
Read the full report: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/s/UnCommon-Law-2024-Annual-Report.pdf
Read the full report: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/s/UnCommon-Law-2024-Annual-Report.pdf
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Nearly 6,000 false positive opiate tests have impacted thousands of incarcerated people in California prisons.
Read more via @latimes.com
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-29/thousands-of-california-prisoners-falsely-tested-positive-for-opioids-did-it-cost-them-their-freedom
Read more via @latimes.com
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-29/thousands-of-california-prisoners-falsely-tested-positive-for-opioids-did-it-cost-them-their-freedom
April 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Nearly 6,000 false positive opiate tests have impacted thousands of incarcerated people in California prisons.
Read more via @latimes.com
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-29/thousands-of-california-prisoners-falsely-tested-positive-for-opioids-did-it-cost-them-their-freedom
Read more via @latimes.com
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-29/thousands-of-california-prisoners-falsely-tested-positive-for-opioids-did-it-cost-them-their-freedom
Reposted by Keith Wattley
If you want to understand who incarceration helps and who it hurts, look at how many people in state prisons today grew up with an incarcerated parent.
April 13, 2025 at 1:15 PM
If you want to understand who incarceration helps and who it hurts, look at how many people in state prisons today grew up with an incarcerated parent.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
A powerful testimony in opposition of SB 356 during the hearing on April 8. Interested in joining our policy advocacy efforts and learning more about these bills? Sign up to receive updates and reportbacks from the Capitol—and learn ways to take action alongside us. https://bit.ly/UCLPolicyAdvoca
April 11, 2025 at 10:22 PM
A powerful testimony in opposition of SB 356 during the hearing on April 8. Interested in joining our policy advocacy efforts and learning more about these bills? Sign up to receive updates and reportbacks from the Capitol—and learn ways to take action alongside us. https://bit.ly/UCLPolicyAdvoca
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Scandal exposed by UnCommon Law, org that reps ppl in parole cases + has affected clients. They obtained test data showing when Quest Diagnostics used a new chemical for tests, positives jumped 300% across prisons
Quest admitted its chemical switch caused a spike but downplayed the scale of impact.
Quest admitted its chemical switch caused a spike but downplayed the scale of impact.
April 9, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Scandal exposed by UnCommon Law, org that reps ppl in parole cases + has affected clients. They obtained test data showing when Quest Diagnostics used a new chemical for tests, positives jumped 300% across prisons
Quest admitted its chemical switch caused a spike but downplayed the scale of impact.
Quest admitted its chemical switch caused a spike but downplayed the scale of impact.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Urge the Senate Public Safety Committee to protect elder parole by OPPOSING SB 286 (Jones) ahead of their vote TOMORROW, APRIL 8. Link to action toolkit: bit.ly/opposesb286
Repost from @curbprisons.bsky.social #ElderlyParole #SocialJustice
Repost from @curbprisons.bsky.social #ElderlyParole #SocialJustice
April 7, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Urge the Senate Public Safety Committee to protect elder parole by OPPOSING SB 286 (Jones) ahead of their vote TOMORROW, APRIL 8. Link to action toolkit: bit.ly/opposesb286
Repost from @curbprisons.bsky.social #ElderlyParole #SocialJustice
Repost from @curbprisons.bsky.social #ElderlyParole #SocialJustice
Reposted by Keith Wattley
As we close out Women’s History Month, we’re honoring Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition—a member-led movement of over 10,000 women and trans people who have been impacted by violence, poverty, and incarceration. #WomensHistoryMonth #PartnersInJustice
March 31, 2025 at 8:15 PM
As we close out Women’s History Month, we’re honoring Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition—a member-led movement of over 10,000 women and trans people who have been impacted by violence, poverty, and incarceration. #WomensHistoryMonth #PartnersInJustice
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Cases like this justifiably spark an emotional response. It's a tragedy that still hurts to this day.
But it's important to remember that even people convicted of violent offenses should not be categorically excluded from release mechanisms.
But it's important to remember that even people convicted of violent offenses should not be categorically excluded from release mechanisms.
Yolanda Saldívar, the woman responsible for Selena’s death, has been denied parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
March 28, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Cases like this justifiably spark an emotional response. It's a tragedy that still hurts to this day.
But it's important to remember that even people convicted of violent offenses should not be categorically excluded from release mechanisms.
But it's important to remember that even people convicted of violent offenses should not be categorically excluded from release mechanisms.
Reposted by Keith Wattley
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re proud to share this moment featuring Tammy Johnson—Program Director of Five Keys’ Home Free program and former UnCommon Law client—sharing her story at our UnCommon Heroes event in 2024. #WomensHistoryMonth #UnCommonLaw #FiveKeys #HomeFree
March 24, 2025 at 4:14 PM
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re proud to share this moment featuring Tammy Johnson—Program Director of Five Keys’ Home Free program and former UnCommon Law client—sharing her story at our UnCommon Heroes event in 2024. #WomensHistoryMonth #UnCommonLaw #FiveKeys #HomeFree
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Who else has family or friends impacted by this administration’s outrageous policies?
My Dad told me about this today and I am livid @aoc.bsky.social @sanders.senate.gov
My Dad told me about this today and I am livid @aoc.bsky.social @sanders.senate.gov
March 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Who else has family or friends impacted by this administration’s outrageous policies?
My Dad told me about this today and I am livid @aoc.bsky.social @sanders.senate.gov
My Dad told me about this today and I am livid @aoc.bsky.social @sanders.senate.gov
Reposted by Keith Wattley
Corrections work isn't among the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the US. But still, the median annual salary is higher than jobs that are much more deadly 🤔
This looks like a country that invests in mass incarceration WAY too much
buff.ly/UMvp9Ma
This looks like a country that invests in mass incarceration WAY too much
buff.ly/UMvp9Ma
March 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Corrections work isn't among the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the US. But still, the median annual salary is higher than jobs that are much more deadly 🤔
This looks like a country that invests in mass incarceration WAY too much
buff.ly/UMvp9Ma
This looks like a country that invests in mass incarceration WAY too much
buff.ly/UMvp9Ma
Reposted by Keith Wattley
I don’t see how, unless our entire profession stands shoulder-to-shoulder in unity, we successfully push back against this effort to break our profession and our democracy.
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court Lawyers
www.whitehouse.gov
March 22, 2025 at 5:32 PM
I don’t see how, unless our entire profession stands shoulder-to-shoulder in unity, we successfully push back against this effort to break our profession and our democracy.
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Cowering & compromising won’t work. He is attacking us for the success of our work.
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
One last push for those who have been waiting and unsure whether this is the opportunity for them. This is the last weekend this position will be open at @uncommonlaw.bsky.social. Help drive our policy work to safely bring more folks home from prison. uncommonlaw.bamboohr.com/careers/97
March 21, 2025 at 10:23 PM
One last push for those who have been waiting and unsure whether this is the opportunity for them. This is the last weekend this position will be open at @uncommonlaw.bsky.social. Help drive our policy work to safely bring more folks home from prison. uncommonlaw.bamboohr.com/careers/97