Originally published April 14, 2021. Statements about the law were updated in October 2026; the box below gives today’s rules.
Bernie Madoff, a client of Criminal Center, died this morning in federal custody at FCI Butner. His sentencing judge had denied the compassionate release request our firm filed for him.
Below is a statement from attorney Brandon Sample about this morning’s news.
Statement from Brandon Sample
“Last year Bernie Madoff asked his sentencing court to grant him compassionate release so he could die at home with his remaining friends and family. At the time, Bernie had a life expectancy of less than 18 months. Bernie’s sentencing judge denied that request, despite Bernie’s terminal kidney disease and expressed remorse for his crimes. Today, Bernie Madoff passed away at the age of 82. Bernie, up until his death, lived with guilt and remorse for his crimes. Although the crimes Bernie was convicted of have come to define who he was—he was also a father and a husband. He was soft spoken and an intellectual. Bernie was by no means perfect. But no man is.”
-Brandon Sample
Court documents from his compassionate release case
You can read the key filings from Bernie Madoff’s request below.
The compassionate release motion
Brandon Sample’s letter to the judge about the motion
If you want help with a compassionate release request, book a consultation.