Brittany K. Barnett Knihy

An urgent call to free those buried alive by America's legal system, this inspiring true story highlights unwavering belief in humanity from a gifted young lawyer. Brittany K. Barnett, then a law student, discovered the life-altering case of Sharanda Jones, a single mother and business owner serving a life sentence without parole for a first-time drug offense. Sharanda's story resonated deeply with Brittany, reflecting her own experiences as the daughter of a formerly incarcerated mother and a past relationship with an abusive drug dealer. As Brittany delved into Sharanda's case, she uncovered a system rife with racial injustice at the heart of America's addiction to incarceration. Motivated by Sharanda's plight, Brittany shifted her focus from a promising career in corporate law to a harrowing journey through the criminal justice system. By day, she handled billion-dollar deals; by night, she fought pro bono for clients facing seemingly insurmountable legal challenges. This transformative experience reshaped her understanding of injustice, revealed the brilliance trapped behind bars, and redefined her concept of freedom. Brittany's memoir is both a coming-of-age story and a powerful testament to the fight for hope and justice in a system designed to resist them.