Welcome from Marsha King
Marsha King founded this training from lived experience in the federal criminal legal system. Her journey showed her how frightening a criminal case can be when a person and family do not understand the system, their rights, or how decisions made before trial can shape the entire future of a case.
Welcome. I’m Marsha King.
My journey into the federal criminal legal system changed my life and ultimately led me to create this training. Facing the possibility of incarceration is one of the scariest experiences a person and family can endure. It becomes even more frightening when you do not understand the criminal system, the language being used, the decisions in front of you, or the rights you still possess.
During pretrial and trial, I did not feel that I received the investigation, assistance, and advocacy I needed from counsel. I went through four attorneys. In different ways, I believed each failed me, from not completing basic investigation to not providing the advocacy I understood the law required.
My sister Marva refused to let me stand alone.
I later learned while incarcerated that I had been facing the possibility of approximately 14 years. I spoke up for myself, and my sister Marva spoke up and advocated beside me. Her advocacy helped me obtain a sentence of 100 months.
My case taught me that the defendant’s voice matters and that a family member who asks questions, gathers information, and refuses to disappear can matter too.
This does not mean a family member replaces a lawyer. It means the person facing prosecution should have informed people beside them who can listen, document, question, organize, and help make sure their voice is heard.
Why I created this training
My incarceration forced me to see that the criminal legal system is not fair for everyone. People can enter it without understanding what is happening, while decisions with lifelong consequences are made quickly around them. Decisions made during the investigation and pretrial phase can affect a plea, trial strategy, sentencing, direct appeal, post-conviction options, incarceration, and reentry.
Education protects participation
You cannot make a truly informed decision about something you do not understand. Participants need plain-language information and focused questions for licensed counsel.
Support changes the experience
No one should walk into court feeling invisible or completely alone. Family and community can bring presence, organization, encouragement, and accountability.
Early decisions travel forward
Statements, investigation, discovery, motions, plea terms, factual admissions, and waivers made before trial can shape every later stage of the case.
A law library within the community
Google can provide information, but searching alone is not the same as understanding a case or knowing which information is reliable. Black and Brown communities need accessible community learning spaces that teach the basics of the criminal legal system and help defendants and families organize what they need to discuss with counsel.
13th Liberation Village participatory defense does not replace your lawyer, act as your attorney, or provide legal representation. We are your support. We want you to be educated, organized, and aware that you have rights.
Thank you for trusting us.
Thank you for trusting 13th Liberation Village to be your support and guide through this process. We bring lived experience, family advocacy, education, and community presence together so you do not have to face the system alone.
Marsha King, Founder, 13th Liberation VillageHelp participants identify goals, organize questions, build trust, and understand that education and support do not replace licensed counsel.
Discussion question
What would have helped you or your family feel less alone and more informed at the beginning of a criminal case?