From Wrongful Conviction to Running For Office with Franky Carrillo

Franky Carrillo is a justice reform advocate and public speaker. He was previously a candidate for the California State Assembly and is best known for his relentless work to reform the criminal justice system after spending 20 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Since his exoneration, Carrillo has become a powerful voice for systemic change, advocating for fair sentencing laws, support for justice-impacted individuals, and equitable representation in politics. His campaign for public office was a historic attempt to bring lived experience into legislative spaces, challenging the norms of who gets to shape policy.

“The courtroom is supposed to be about justice, but for people like me, it often becomes just another place where you’re erased. I wanted to step into politics to flip that script—to make sure our voices are no longer the ones left out of the conversation.”

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking interview, Carrillo recounts his journey from wrongful conviction at age 16 to becoming a leader in the movement for justice reform. He shares how a childhood rooted in hope and stability prepared him to survive unimaginable fear and injustice, and how asking for help—after years of self-advocacy—ultimately led to his release. Carrillo reflects on the emotional complexity of reentry, his motivations for running for office, and the importance of creating pathways for others like him to lead. For listeners interested in criminal justice reform, this episode offers both a moving story of resilience and a critical look at how individual transformation can drive systemic change. It’s an essential listen for anyone committed to building a more just and inclusive future.

Episode Outline

(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:01:45) Frankie’s Early Life and Upbringing in Lynwood, CA
(00:05:30) The Day Everything Changed: Frankie’s Arrest at 16
(00:09:20) Navigating Juvenile Detention and Adult Prison as a Teenager
(00:13:40) Finding Hope and Seeking Help from Innocence Projects
(00:18:25) The Power of Advocacy and the Role of Community Support
(00:22:15) Life After Exoneration and the Emotional Complexity of Freedom
(00:26:50) Frankie’s Path to Activism and Criminal Justice Reform
(00:31:40) Why He Ran for Public Office: Representation and Policy Impact
(00:36:10) Lessons from Campaigning as a Justice-Impacted Candidate
(00:40:00) The Ongoing Fight for Systemic Change in California
(00:44:15) Frankie’s Message to Young People in the System
(00:48:00) Closing Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Future of Reform

Episode Resources:

• Franky’s Instagram
• Franky’s X

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