No, but there are several distinct reasons why it might be a good idea to hire a compassionate release attorney.

This really comes down to experience. An attorney who works in the compassionate release arena is well-versed in the policies governing compassionate release, the seven categories of compassionate release, how such requests can be formulated, what supporting documents are helpful and how to obtain them, the Bureau's process, and how to pressure reviewing officials so as to not have the petition stall at any phase.

The answer is simple: you should hire us because we have a history of success. Our track record of released clients speaks for itself.

Our attorneys will conduct an investigation to learn about your unique background, your family, and any medical conditions. This will help to guide the rest of our work.

We'll settle on a specific compassionate release provision and focus on fulfilling its elements to ensure that we can show Bureau reviewing officials that you qualify. This is our policy-oriented phase. Here we will also secure documentary evidence that we need to support the petition and verify the assertions made on your behalf.

We will then draft your compassionate release request. Here, we will bring together the prior research and investigatory notes to craft a compelling petition which fulfills the Bureau's requirements. We'll also carefully select which pieces of supporting documentation to enclose (e.g., medical documents). We will focus on including only the best evidence that shows how you qualify for compassionate release.

At this point, we'll ask you to review the request to ensure that you agree with everything stated. Once you give your approval, we'll file the request with your Warden.

We typically like to give the Bureau several weeks to act on the request prior to prodding. But, if there is no update, within a month we can contact the Central Office Reduction in Sentence (RIS) Coordinator. This is the point at which we may apply tactical pressure.

This depends on the nature of the petition and the Bureau's response. While we can simply contact your Warden, General Counsel, or the RIS Coordinator for updates, we also sometimes involve the Director, Congressmen, Senators, and the Attorney General's Office. This depends on your unique situation.

In such an instance, we would review the denial notice and rationale and decide on an appropriate course of action. Such action could include an appeal or reformulation and resubmission of the request, or a strategic waiting period prior to resubmission.

No, and frankly, no one can. Experienced compassionate release attorneys can do the legwork and set you up for success, but the final decision resides with the Bureau of Prisons and, ultimately, your sentencing judge.

You should know that we care deeply about our clients and will do everything in our power to get them home. Through hard work, dedication, perseverance, and experience, we've been able to do just that.

If you still have questions after reading our Hiring an Attorney for Compassionate Release FAQs, please call 802-444-4357 for more information.