Sentence Reductions in Chicago Federal Cases – Lawyers Advise

Sentence Reductions in Federal Cases: A Guide for Defendants Seeking Shorter Sentences

Dealing with a federal criminal conviction can be really tough. Like, it can feel super overwhelming trying to navigate the complex legal system and figure out your options. If you or a loved one have been convicted of a federal offense and are looking into ways to reduce your prison sentence, this guide can help walk you through some of the main avenues for federal sentence reductions.I wanted to give a quick rundown on the rules and processes around shortening federal sentences—including things like compassionate release, Rule 35 motions, retroactive application of updated sentencing guidelines, and more. My goal is to help you understand the basic eligibility requirements, timelines, and procedures so you can work effectively with your attorney to pursue any options that might be on the table.Just know there are people out here who wanna help. And even if a reduced sentence feels unlikely or you‘ve been told “no” in the past, new laws and policies are passed all the time that can give people a second chance. So don’t lose hope!

Overview of Sentence Reduction Options in Federal Cases

There are a handful of ways that federal inmates can get their sentences shortened after their original sentencing. The main options include:

  • Compassionate release – Applying for early release due to old age, serious health issues, or family circumstances
  • Rule 35 motions – Government files motion to reduce sentence if defendant provided substantial assistance
  • Changes to sentencing guidelines – Retroactive application of updated (lower) sentencing ranges
  • Commutation of sentence – Clemency granted by the President

Other niche situations like First Step Act reforms, changes to the laws defendants were convicted under, or appealing technical sentencing errors may also lead to lower sentences in some cases.The sections below go into more detail on the most common ways federal prisoners pursue sentence reductions, like the timeline, eligibility rules, and process for applying. But in general, the options fall into two main buckets:1. Initiatives led by the defendant/their lawyer – Things like petitioning for compassionate release or appealing a sentencing error require the defense to research options and proactively file motions.2. Changes initiated by the government – Rule 35 cooperation motions and retroactive application of new guidelines depend on prosecutors or the Sentencing Commission taking action first.So in most cases, federal inmates need both their own persistence and a little luck/good timing for one of these avenues to result in an actual reduced prison stay.

Compassionate Release from Federal Prison

Compassionate release allows federal inmates to petition for early release due to “extraordinary and compelling circumstances” like terminal illness or elder age. The policy used to be rarely granted, but after changes in the First Step Act, more defendants are successfully arguing for sentence reductions on grounds of health, age, or family responsibilities.Here’s a quick rundown of how the federal compassionate release process works:

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for early release under compassionate release policy, federal inmates need to show:

  • Extraordinary circumstances – Terminal illness, advanced age, death/incapacity of a spouse or caregiver, or other severe conditions
  • No danger to society – The inmate must show they are not a danger to the community if released
  • Served majority of sentence – Inmates must complete either the minimum term or 75% of their prison term

Prisoners requesting compassionate release usually need documentation of their medical condition, detailed release plans, and evidence of rehabilitation to have the best shot.

Timeline and Deadlines

  • Inmates can apply for compassionate release after submitting an administrative request to the Bureau of Prisons (and allowing 30 days for their response).
  • There are no formal deadlines or filing limitations, but inmates must move quickly in dire medical circumstances.
  • Courts warn against early applications and encourage inmates to apply close to their release date.

Process and Procedures

  • Inmates submit a written request for compassionate release to their prison’s warden.
  • If the warden denies the request or 30 days pass, the defendant can file a motion for compassionate release with the sentencing judge.
  • The judge will review evidence and determine if a sentence reduction is appropriate.

Over the past few years, more federal inmates have been successful in petitioning for compassionate release—especially those with serious medical conditions. However, courts are still relatively strict when it comes to releasing prisoners early.Talk to your criminal defense attorney if you think you or your loved one may have grounds for a compassionate release motion. Having an experienced lawyer argue the details of your case can often make the difference between an approved or denied sentence reduction.

Rule 35 Motions for Sentence Reductions

Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure lets federal prosecutors file motions to reduce a defendant’s sentence by up to 40% as a reward for providing “substantial assistance” in an investigation or prosecution.This allows prisoners who cooperate with authorities to earn a shorter sentence—even if they already pleaded guilty and were sentenced.Here are some key facts about Rule 35 sentence reductions:

Eligibility Requirements

To receive a Rule 35(b) sentence reduction, a defendant must:

  • Provide “substantial assistance” to law enforcement—usually by testifying against or giving key info about criminal associates
  • Have this assistance contribute to further arrests or convictions
  • Have a motion filed by federal prosecutors indicating the cooperation provided

Without prosecutors actually filing this motion, the sentencing judge has no authority to reduce a sentence no matter how much the defendant cooperated.

Timeline and Deadlines

Prosecutors can file Rule 35 motions to reduce a cooperating defendant‘s sentence:

  • 1 year after the original sentencing
  • Or anytime after a year if the defendant’s assistance wasn’t useful until after sentencing

The ability to file these cooperative substantial assistance motions does not expire. So defendants can provide assistance even late into their prison term and still potentially benefit.

Process and Procedures

If a cooperating defendant provides substantial assistance, the process for getting a reduced sentence is:

  1. Prosecutors file a Rule 35(b) motion describing the defendant’s cooperation
  2. The judge reviews the level of assistance provided
  3. The judge makes a ruling on whether and how much to reduce the prison term

However, there is no guarantee a cooperation motion will result in a lighter sentence. The reductions are discretionary, and judges weigh factors like the significance, timeliness, and reliability of assistance provided.That said, Rule 35 motions have a strong record of success—especially when the cooperating defendant testifies in court against associates. Sentence reductions of 30-40% off minimum terms are common.If you believe you qualify for a Rule 35 sentence reduction, contact your defense lawyer to explore options. But understand that without active cooperation from prosecutors, these motions are a dead end.

Retroactive Application of New Federal Sentencing Guidelines

One way federal inmates can pursue sentence reductions completely outside their control is when the U.S. Sentencing Commission updates the sentencing guidelines and makes those changes apply retroactively.This opens the door for current prisoners to petition judges to revisit their case under the new, lower sentencing recommendations.Here’s an overview of how retroactive sentencing updates work:

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for a sentencing adjustment from retroactive guidelines, the inmate must:

  • Be serving time for an offense impacted by the updated guidelines
  • Have been sentenced under the previous, higher guidelines

The Sentencing Commission specifies which specific offenses and guideline changes apply retroactively—so not every guidelines amendment allows for sentence reductions.

Timeline and Deadlines

  • Sentencing guidelines are updated annually and go into effect each November 1st.
  • Judges can only modify sentences under retroactive changes after November 1 once the new guidelines kick in.
  • Inmates then have only 18 months from the effective date to file petitions in court.

Process and Procedures

If an inmate qualifies for retroactive application of new guidelines, they can petition the court by:

  1. Filing a motion requesting the sentencing judge revisit the case
  2. Asking the judge to resentence them per the updated guidelines
  3. Waiting for the judge to review and issue a ruling

Even if an inmate qualifies, however, judges still have to approve the sentencing reduction and can deny petitions at their discretion.

That said, many judges will adjust sentences to fit the new guidelines when possible. So retroactivity offers a great chance for inmates to benefit from evolving views on punishment severity and sentencing fairness over time.

Other Ways Federal Prison Sentences Get Reduced

I’ve covered the main avenues federal prisoners can pursue sentence reductions above. But there are a few other niche situations where inmates can earn an earlier release from prison:

  • Changes to federal laws – If a prisoner’s conviction gets reclassified or the relevant mandatory minimum sentence changes while they’re incarcerated, their sentence can get reduced.
  • Successful case appeals – Appealing technical errors in an inmate’s original sentencing—like miscalculated guidelines levels or failure to properly credit cooperation—can sometimes lead to lower prison terms post-appeal.
  • Presidential clemency – The President has the power to commute (shorten) federal sentences as an act of mercy. While rare, mass commutations have happened near the end of administrations.
  • COVID-related releases – Due to COVID health risks to elderly prisoners, some federal inmates secured compassionate release or home confinement during the pandemic under special programs.

Finally, the First Step Act signed into law in 2018 includes a handful of reforms allowing federal inmates to accrue extra good behavior credits and earn release into halfway houses or home confinement earlier in some cases.I’d need a whole separate article to break down the various First Step Act programs! But know that it has incrementally increased avenues for sentence reductions in recent years as well.

Working With a Post-Conviction Attorney on Sentence Reductions

If you or a loved one are interested in pursuing a reduced federal prison sentence through one of the pathways above, consulting with a qualified post-conviction attorney is highly recommended.The rules, procedures, and deadlines around things like compassionate release motions and retroactive guideline applications can be really complex—even for seasoned criminal defense lawyers.Having an expert federal post-conviction attorney on your side who specializes in these processes can make a huge difference. Their skills and experience navigating the system and negotiating with judges/prosecutors could easily make or break your case for an earlier prison release.Don’t leave sentence reduction petitions or motions to chance. Work with a knowledgeable lawyer to put your best foot forward and capitalize on any options available in your unique situation.

Other Resources for Federal Inmates Seeking Sentence Reductions

Navigating federal prison release options often feels overwhelming. But remember there are trained professionals who wanna help however they can.Here are a few other great resources to check out if you or someone you care about is looking to reduce a federal sentence:Federal Defenders of New York Guide to Compassionate ReleaseFamilies Against Mandatory Minimums Advocacy ProgramsClemency Project 2014