Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform

Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform is a 501(c)3 non-profit that works to catalyze systemic change But we couldn't do any of this without our supporters.

Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform helps people returning from incarceration to resettle into society. We work on common-sense policy solutions that put families first and invest in people, not prisons. We give legal students and advocates experience in Oklahoma's criminal justice system so that they can be informed and effective advocates for change. We want to hear from you!

06/12/2026

Tough on crime policies came with real human consequences.

For decades, politicians promised that incarcerating more people for longer periods of time would create safer communities. But Kris Steele explains how many of those policies prioritized punishment and political points over restoration and long-term solutions.

Too often, the people most affected by those decisions had no voice in the process.

This episode of Unintended Consequences dives into the realities of mass incarceration and why Oklahoma must rethink what true public safety looks like.



Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

Episode 4, Part 2 of our conversation with Glynn Simmons is now available.Joining the conversation is James Lewis, anoth...
06/09/2026

Episode 4, Part 2 of our conversation with Glynn Simmons is now available.

Joining the conversation is James Lewis, another man whose life was forever changed by incarceration. Together, Glynn and James share what happens after prison, including the challenges of rebuilding a life, reconnecting with family, finding employment, overcoming stigma, and creating purpose after years behind bars.

Their stories offer a powerful look at resilience, redemption, and the realities of reentry that are often overlooked in conversations about the justice system.

Because the story does not end when someone walks out of prison.

Watch and listen to Episode 4 of *Unintended Consequences* now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Find it at the link in our bio or below.

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

06/08/2026

The Wrong Voices Can Keep You Trapped

People in prison need connection.

But they need the right kind of connection.

Marvin Mayes explains how toxic relationships can pull people backward while positive relationships can help them heal, grow, and prepare for life after incarceration.

Support systems matter.

Encouragement matters.

Hope matters.



Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

06/07/2026

Pain Can Become Purpose

Everything Glynn Simmons endured could have left him bitter.

Instead, he chose to serve.

Today, he invests in his community, advocates for criminal justice reform, operates businesses, and uses his story to help others.

His belief is simple: sometimes our hardest seasons are preparing us for a greater purpose.

This episode of Unintended Consequences is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not have to define our future.



Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

06/06/2026

Oklahoma spent billions on incarceration and still didn’t get better results.

Kris Steele shares the moment that changed his perspective on criminal justice reform. Despite Oklahoma incarcerating more people per capita than almost anywhere in the world, crime rates were not lower than most other states.

That realization forced an important question:
If mass incarceration is so effective, why weren’t communities actually safer?

This episode of Unintended Consequences examines the real-world outcomes of decades of “tough on crime” policies.



Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

06/05/2026

Learning Life at 70 Years Old

After spending nearly five decades in prison, Glynn experienced things most people take for granted.

His first birthday party.

His first house payment.

His first car payment.

His first chance to truly live life as a free man.

The joy in his story reminds us that freedom is often found in the little things we rarely stop to appreciate.

Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

06/03/2026

Imagine moving to a new state for a fresh start and being arrested for a murder in a town you had never even visited.

That’s exactly what happened to Glynn Simmons.

Just 30 days after arriving in Oklahoma, he was arrested, wrongfully convicted, sentenced to death, and ultimately spent 48 years, 5 months, and 18 days behind bars for a crime he did not commit.

On this episode of Unintended Consequences, Glynn shares his incredible story of survival, resilience, and justice delayed.

Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

48 years. 5 months. 18 days.That is how long Glynn Simmons spent in prison for a crime he did not commit.In Episode 3, P...
06/02/2026

48 years. 5 months. 18 days.

That is how long Glynn Simmons spent in prison for a crime he did not commit.

In Episode 3, Part 1 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with the man who survived one of the longest wrongful incarcerations in American history.

After moving to Oklahoma from Louisiana, Glynn was arrested just 30 days later, convicted of murder, sentenced to death, and forced to spend nearly five decades fighting to prove his innocence.

This powerful conversation explores the human impact of wrongful conviction, surviving death row, maintaining hope through unimaginable circumstances, and the faith that sustained him through years of injustice.

Glynn's story is bigger than one person. It is a reminder that behind every policy are real lives, real families, and real consequences.

Watch and listen to Episode 3 of *Unintended Consequences* now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Visit the link in bio or below to hear Glynn's story.

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

06/02/2026

Incarceration alone does not solve addiction, trauma, or mental health struggles.

Kris Steele explains how failing to address root issues often increases the likelihood that someone will return to harmful behaviors after release.

When people are placed in hostile environments without treatment, healing, or support, the cycle often continues instead of improving.

This conversation on Unintended Consequences explores why Oklahoma must focus on rehabilitation and addressing core issues if we truly want safer communities.



Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

05/31/2026

We can’t solve problems if we refuse to talk to each other.

Kris Steele opens up about the growing polarization in today’s political environment and why meaningful conversations matter more than ever.

Real progress requires listening, humility, research, collaboration, and the willingness to consider perspectives beyond our own assumptions.

This episode of Unintended Consequences is a reminder that Oklahoma’s future depends on people being willing to work together instead of simply defending positions.



Check out the podcast at the link in our bio or the link below

https://linktr.ee/okjusticereform

Address

305 NW 5th Street, Box 2055
Oklahoma City, OK
73102

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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