Every plea should be fair. Every person facing the criminal justice system deserves a chance to understand the consequences of their decisions and to make choices that are truly informed. My name is Marisa Boyer, and I’ve lived through a system that too often fails those it is supposed to protect.

In 2012, I faced charges that nearly destroyed my life. Even though I was innocent, I was pushed to accept plea deals under pressure, while my children were taken from me, and my voice was silenced. I watched the system crush people I care about simply because they didn’t have guidance or support — because they didn’t have someone helping them navigate the complexities and pressures of plea agreements.

That experience inspired me to create Phoenix Rising Justice Initiative. Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide defendants with guidance, oversight, and education so they understand their rights, understand the implications of plea deals, and are empowered to make informed decisions. By documenting patterns in plea deals and collecting data, we can also expose corruption, systemic inequities, and injustices that often go unnoticed. oo

What your donation will do:

Cover nonprofit filing fees and operational costs to establish Phoenix Rising as a 501(c)(3) organization.

The impact:

Protect innocent people from being coerced into plea deals they don’t understand.

Give defendants access to clear information and resources that can literally change the trajectory of their lives.

Create transparency in a system where accountability is often missing.

I’ve been through this struggle personally, and I know how devastating it can be. But I also know the power of second chances and guidance. With your help, Phoenix Rising can prevent others from suffering the same pain and confusion I experienced — giving people a real opportunity to rise again.

Support Phoenix Rising. Help us restore fairness, integrity, and humanity to our justice system.

Contact: Marisa Boyer | [email redacted] |