46-Year-Old Man Overcomes 25 Years in Prison, Earns Bachelor's Degree and Law School Acceptance
During his time in prison, Braham obtained an associate’s degree and two bachelor’s degrees, including one in Philosophy from the Wesleyan-Middlesex Center for Prison Education
AKACHI NOEL 
A 46-year-old man named Michael Braham, who spent 25 years in prison, has defied the odds to achieve significant academic success. Braham has earned a bachelor’s degree and has been accepted into two law schools.
Braham was taken into custody at the age of 21, accused of killing his childhood friend. He clarified that he did not intend for the victim to die, which would have classified the act as manslaughter rather than murder. However, due to incompetent defense counsel, he pled guilty to murder in exchange for a 32-year sentence.
While incarcerated, Braham began pro se litigation in 1998 after discovering that his attorney had deceived him into pleading guilty. He also developed a passion for law, successfully prosecuting multiple cases against Department of Correction officers and helping other prisoners do the same. This experience motivated him to pursue a legal career.
During his time in prison, Braham obtained an associate’s degree and two bachelor’s degrees, including one in Philosophy from the Wesleyan-Middlesex Center for Prison Education. The Philosophy degree focused on the connection between critical racial theory and sociology.
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After serving 24 and a half years, Braham was introduced to lawyer Alex Taubes by a mutual friend. Taubes, who represents prisoners seeking sentence reductions, helped Braham get his sentence reduced and facilitated his release. Since his release, Braham has been studying for the Law School Admission Test and collaborating with Taubes on various legal matters.
Braham has applied to ten law schools and has been accepted by two. He plans to practice law after graduation, potentially as a general practitioner. Braham expressed his gratitude for the support he received from Taubes, who represented him for free and offered him a paralegal job.
