Our Story
Born from a wrongful accusation. Built to make sure no one has to stand alone.
We fight for a criminal justice system where your outcome doesn’t depend on your income — by funding world-class defense, clearing unjust records, and advocating for reform.
The Justice Reform Foundation was created by Justin Magnuson after he was wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
In 2010, shortly after graduating from college and business school, Justin started a neurodiagnostic testing company. Within seven years, he grew the business to approximately $100 million in annual sales and earned the prestigious recognition of making the Inc. 5000 list for five years in a row. Justin then started a second successful business in the medical field which continues to flourish today.
After selling the neurodiagnostic testing business in 2017, Justin was looking to diversify his portfolio and decided to enter the cannabis industry. Together with his brother and a previous business associate, they partnered with producers who were already growing cannabis legally in California. To get the venture off the ground, Justin invested more than one million dollars toward licenses, fees, land, and permits to grow and sell the plant legally.
In August 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin was arrested on charges of illegally distributing marijuana in Texas — a state without a broad medical marijuana program. He would later discover that the partners he thought were operating legally in California had been bringing product across state lines in violation of federal law, without his knowledge.
Justin maintained his innocence from day one and continues to maintain it today. The government wanted him to turn on co-defendants or cut a deal — he refused. He knew he hadn’t done anything wrong and wasn’t willing to lie for leniency.
20 months in a small county jail
— before he was ever convicted of a crime.
While awaiting trial, Justin agreed to plead guilty to violating a Prohibition-era law in exchange for time served, no fine, and no probation — a deal the government proposed solely to save face for his wrongful arrest and incarceration.
Justin’s attorneys, Marc Seitles and Alyssa Altonaga of Seitles & Litwin, convinced the government to dismiss the original indictment after confronting them with evidence of his good faith efforts to do business legally in California.
“We always knew Justin’s case was different. There was literally no evidence to support his involvement in a drug or money laundering conspiracy. To fight for someone you know was unjustly indicted makes this extremely challenging profession all worth it. Justin is no longer just our client — he is family to our firm.”
Marc Seitles
Partner, Seitles & Litwin
“While Justin was in jail we witnessed his growing concern — not only for how the criminal justice system was affecting him, but also for those around him who didn’t have his resources. Mere months after being released, he was already doing something to help people facing injustice, poverty, and isolation.”
Alyssa Altonaga
Attorney, Seitles & Litwin
“If this happened to me, it can happen to anyone — and for most, the consequences are far worse.”
Justin knows he’s been fortunate compared to countless people who don’t share his privileges or resources. That’s why, since his release, he has dedicated himself to helping others navigate the criminal justice system — founding JRF to provide the same advocacy he received to those who need it most.
From Story to Action
In a few short years, JRF has grown from one man’s vision into a working engine for criminal justice reform in Texas and beyond.
Criminal Defense Clinic
Partnership with Texas A&M School of Law providing pro bono defense to indigent clients in Tarrant County.
Expungement Program
Clearing qualifying records so a past charge doesn’t block jobs, housing, or stability.
Princeton Symposium
Justin delivered opening remarks to 120 guests — including former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
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Proud member of the Texas Clean Slate Coalition
JRF works alongside coalition partners to advance Clean Slate legislation and expand second-chance opportunities for Texans with qualifying records.
Stand With Us
Every defense funded, every record cleared, every student trained is made possible by supporters who believe justice shouldn’t depend on your bank account.
