HOW TO GET A FEDERAL SENTENCE REDUCTION

If convicted in federal court, attorneys at Strickland Webster may help you request a federal sentence reduction or challenge a reduction denial.

What Is a Federal Sentence Reduction?

Being convicted in federal court can be terrifying, especially when it’s the first time you’ve been charged, and you don’t know what to expect. Whether you have been convicted of conspiracy, drug charges, fraud, or some other federal crime, it’s good to know what would be the type of sentence imposed and if it is possible to get that sentence reduced.

Generally, it is very difficult to have a federal sentence reduced after it is imposed. If someone is being convicted in federal court, the judge will determine the recommended sentencing range under the U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which may also establish a mandatory minimum sentence for certain crimes. However, there are some limited options to obtain a reduced sentence. 

How Do Federal Sentencing Reductions Work?

There are different statutes that can provide federal prison sentence reduction. However, whether the defendant is eligible for sentencing reduction can depend on different factors, such as the defendant’s criminal history and previous convictions. 

For example, if the defendant provides substantial assistance to the prosecution in investigating other criminals or by testifying against their co-conspirators, they may achieve a reduction of their federal prison sentence.

Terminally ill or elderly federal prisoners may be released through a compassionate release. However, those applying must demonstrate extraordinary and compelling reasons to justify their release and exhaust other administrative remedies before petitioning. 

There are also several programs that the Federal Bureau of Prisons administers and which can reduce the amount of defendant’s sentence they are required to serve. 

What Is Amendment 782 or Drug Minus Two?

Specifically, defendants convicted of drug offenses may be able to have their sentences reduced under Amendment 782 to the Sentencing Guidelines. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a drug offense and may be affected by Amendment 782, the district court may automatically determine if you are eligible for a sentence reduction, at least in some areas. 

How Can Our Attorneys Help?

If no court has determined your or your loved one’s eligibility for a sentence reduction or if the court has denied such a reduction, the attorneys at Strickland Webster are able to help you request a reduction or to challenge the denial of that reduction, depending on your needs.