Blog
50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
People who are convicted of federal crimes will often face harsh penalties, including lengthy sentences in federal prisons. These sentences are usually determined using the federal sentencing guidelines, which are a set of rules that are used to calculate appropriate sentences based on factors such as the severity of an offense, the offender’s acceptance of responsibility, and any previous convictions or other forms of past misconduct. These guidelines are updated regularly, and when these updates may lead to reductions in sentences, federal prisoners may be able to receive an early release. For those who are navigating issues related to federal prison sentences, an experienced attorney can provide legal help, ensuring that the sentencing guidelines will be applied appropriately.
In 2023, the U.S. Sentencing Commission chose to make changes to the sentencing guidelines, and these adjustments may allow for reduced sentences in some cases. The Commission also chose to make the changes retroactive, which may allow some prisoners who are currently serving sentences to be released immediately or before the end of their original sentences. The retroactive guidelines went into effect on February 1, 2024.
Under the new guidelines, “status points” related to offenses committed while a person was in the custody of law enforcement or under supervision (such as probation or parole) will have less of an effect on sentencing. The Sentencing Commission estimates that more than 11,000 prisoners will be affected by this change, and their sentences will be reduced by an average of 14 months. 43 percent of prisoners who will be eligible for sentence reductions are Black.
Another change to the guidelines reduces sentences for first-time offenders who have no criminal history. The Sentencing Commission has estimated that more than 7,000 prisoners will qualify for sentence reductions. The average sentence reduction in these cases is 15 months. 70 percent of the prisoners who will qualify for these reductions are Hispanic.
These changes are meant to help reduce mass incarceration in the United States and address racial inequities in the justice system. While the Sentencing Commission originally made these changes in April of 2023, panel members were divided on whether the new guidelines should be applied retroactively. Some U.S. Justice Department officials argued that these changes were “minor” and would only reduce sentences by a few months in many cases. Because of the bureaucratic complications involved in releasing prisoners early, officials claimed that making the changes retroactive would be counterproductive.
On the other hand, proponents of making the changes retroactive argued that any reductions in sentences are important to prisoners, even if they can be released a few days early. U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves, the current chairman of the Sentencing Commission, stated that making the changes retroactive will help address the injustices faced by many minorities who are charged and convicted of federal crimes.
Under the new guidelines, around 18,000 prisoners will qualify for sentence reductions. Around 3,000 of these prisoners may be able to be released immediately, although there may be some delays as federal officials implement the new guidelines.
At Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we believe in protecting the rights of people who are facing federal charges and those who have been convicted of federal crimes. We provide experienced representation during federal criminal cases, and we also work to help federal prisoners understand their options for relief, including determining whether they qualify for reduced sentences under the new sentencing guidelines. To learn how our Hartford federal crimes attorney can help with these matters, contact us at 860-290-8690 and schedule a free consultation.
50 Founders Plaza
