Originally published April 10, 2021. Statements about the law were updated in October 2026; the box below gives today’s rules.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
In April 2021, a federal judge in Louisiana granted compassionate release to Robert Perkins. His colon cancer had spread to his liver and lung. The court found that this was an “extraordinary and compelling reason” to let him go home.
United States v. Perkins
United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Monroe Division
2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 67260
The case
This is a case where a cancer diagnosis led to compassionate release.
Robert Perkins was charged in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 27, 2020, he was sentenced to 156 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release (supervision by a probation officer after prison).
In January 2021, Mr. Perkins was diagnosed with colon cancer. That same month, a CT scan showed the cancer had metastasized (spread) to his liver and lung. Because of this serious illness and grim outlook, he asked for compassionate release.
Why the judge said yes
The court agreed that metastatic cancer counts as an “extraordinary and compelling reason” for release. It also found that his age (59) and poor health lowered any risk to public safety if he were released. So the court approved his request for compassionate release.
If you want help with a compassionate release request, book a consultation.