John Koufos: From Prison Cell to Policy Change on Capitol Hill
“I heard two booms and saw dust flying in the rearview mirror. My heart sank. I knew my life had changed.”
These are the haunting words John Koufos recalls from the night that ended his promising career as a defense attorney. After years of struggling with addiction, John found himself behind bars, facing a future that seemed impossible to recover from. Today, however, John’s story is one of remarkable change, resilience, and redemption.
John Koufos’ journey demonstrates the profound impact of second chances. It took him from the depths of addiction to the halls of Capitol Hill, where he now advocates for justice-impacted individuals across the United States.
John Koufos’ Early Life: Growing Up in a Justice-Impacted Family
John’s early years were marked by uncertainty and hardship. He grew up in a difficult environment with his father frequently incarcerated. His father even escaped from a federal holding facility, sending John and his family on the run through 38 states before he was even in high school. “My father’s profession was crime,” John says candidly, “and we lived life on the run.”
Despite the challenges of his upbringing, John eventually sought to forge a different path. He worked odd jobs and ultimately enrolled at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. After excelling in his studies, he earned a scholarship to Fordham Law School. His legal career took off quickly, as he became a defense attorney specializing in high-profile cases. He fought for justice-impacted people, focusing on those charged with serious crimes.
The Night That Changed Everything: Addiction, Arrest, and a Life-Altering Decision
But behind the success, John’s life was spiraling out of control. He battled alcoholism, using it as a way to cope with the unresolved trauma from his youth. “I didn’t drink in court, but I drank the moment I left,” he admits. His addiction escalated, even as his legal career flourished.
The pivotal moment came on a June night in 2011. After attending a bar association event where he drank heavily, John got behind the wheel and drove drunk. Distracted by a text argument, he veered off the road, striking a pedestrian. Overcome with panic, he fled the scene. “I didn’t know what I had hit until I saw the imprint of a body on my windshield,” John remembers.
In the days that followed, John lied about the incident, but eventually, he turned himself in. The consequences were severe: he was sentenced to six years in a New Jersey prison, marking the end of his legal career. But what seemed like an irreversible fall would eventually become the foundation for his transformation.
Finding Redemption in Prison: How Incarceration Helped John Koufos Turn His Life Around
Prison was a sobering experience for John, not only because of his loss of freedom but because it allowed him to confront his addiction head-on. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous, attended recovery programs, and used his legal expertise to help other incarcerated individuals navigate the system. “I met so many people who were stuck in prison due to technicalities or because they didn’t understand the legal process,” John says. “I felt a duty to help them.”
“I met so many people who were stuck in prison due to technicalities or because they didn’t understand the legal process.”
John’s time in prison wasn’t easy. As a high-profile defense attorney, he faced scrutiny from both inmates and guards. But instead of giving up, John focused on rebuilding his life from the inside out. He leaned heavily on his newfound sobriety and made a promise to himself that he would use his second chance to make a difference.
John Koufos’ Path to Advocacy: From Prison to Leading Criminal Justice Reform
When John was released on parole, he faced the same challenges that many formerly incarcerated individuals encounter—he had no home, no job, and no idea how to move forward. He moved in with a former law school roommate and slowly started to rebuild his life. A chance meeting with former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey set him on a new path. McGreevey invited John to help launch the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, a program aimed at helping justice-impacted individuals successfully reenter society.
John found his calling in advocacy. His work with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation opened doors for him, leading him to become a prominent voice in the criminal justice reform movement. In 2018, he played a key role in the passage of the First Step Act, a landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at reducing recidivism and reforming the federal prison system. “Standing in the White House, I couldn’t believe how far I had come,” John reflects. “From being a person who was formerly incarcerated to standing beside policymakers and advocating for real change—that was surreal.”
“From being a person who was formerly incarcerated to standing beside policymakers and advocating for real change—that was surreal.”
Criminal Justice Reform and Healthcare: John Koufos’ Mission for Systemic Change
Today, John Koufos continues to work tirelessly for criminal justice reform. His focus is on creating systemic solutions that address the root causes of incarceration, such as addiction, mental health issues, and poverty. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive healthcare for incarcerated individuals, believing that investing in health services is key to reducing recidivism. “Public health is public safety,” John says, outlining his belief that healthcare access plays a critical role in preventing future crimes and creating safer communities.
John’s life is a powerful example of the impact of recovery and second chances. His commitment to improving the criminal justice system reflects the belief that people can change and that justice reform must focus on both accountability and rehabilitation. From a defense attorney struggling with addiction to a national advocate for criminal justice, John’s story shows what is possible when individuals are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Episode Resources:
Right On Crime
John’s X Account
John’s LinkedIn Account
