Maine- Federal Court -Rejects- BOP’s -Role in -Criteria for Compassionate ReleaseTo win a motion for a compassionate release, an inmate must meet specific criteria set by the BOP. However, a new case confirms that the court does not have to agree with the prison director’s findings.

How the First Step Act Changed the Bureau of Prison’s Involvement in Evaluating Compassionate Release Petitions

Before the First Step Act, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) determined whether a prisoner met the criteria for compassionate release. However, this system is inherently flawed. The BOP had full control of which cases were presented to the district court. As a result, the BOP routinely denied compassionate release petitions. To make matters worse, prisoners had no way of appealing these decisions.

Thankfully, the First Step Act of 2018 put federal district courts in control of the compassionate release application process. As a result, prisoners may now file motions for compassionate release in court if the BOP refuses to recommend them for early release.

How Courts Treat the Sentencing Commission’s Policy Statement Since the First Step Act

However, the Sentencing Commission’s policy statement on the criteria for compassionate release did not change. As such, some courts treat the guidelines as outdated because they predated the legislative changes.

Moreover, recent case law addresses one of the criteria for compassionate release in subsection D of U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13. It provides that the Director of the BOP may determine if there are “extraordinary and compelling reasons” not covered in any other criteria to warrant an early release. As discussed below, some courts now embrace their discretion to consider those factors instead of the Director of the BOP.

Defendant’s Compassionate Release Petition in U.S. v. Fox

In U.S v. Walter Fox, the United States District Court for the District of Maine considered a compassionate release petition from a prisoner serving 10 years for bank fraud and attempted tax evasion. He requested a two-year sentence reduction. The government opposed his motion. The court found that his petition fell short of meeting the criteria for compassionate release.

Defendant’s Arguments for Compassionate Release

Mr. Fox unsuccessfully filed his motion pro se (without an attorney). He attempted to argue that his prison sentence was an extraordinary burden on him and his family. He stated that he had been rehabilitated in prison and needed medical care for a serious eye condition. Unfortunately, the court found that none of these factors met the criteria for early release.

The court considered Mr. Fox’s arguments that other offenders received lesser sentences thanks to the recent sentence reduction guidelines. It acknowledged notable cases of reduced sentences for more severe crimes than Mr. Fox’s offenses. However, the court held that only the Sentencing Commission can impose those reductions. Also, Congress must choose to make them retroactive to apply to current prisoners.

Ultimately, the court denied Mr. Fox’s motion without prejudice. The court expressly noted that Mr. Fox can refile his petition if the Sentencing Commission updates its policy statement favorably for him. Then, the petition could meet the criteria for compassionate release.

The Court’s Interpretation of the BOP’s Role in Evaluating “Extraordinary and Compelling Reasons”

Although the petition in U.S. v. Fox was denied, the court took a positive step in reducing the BOP’s influence over the criteria for compassionate release. It reasoned that the current policy statement on criteria for compassionate release is not dispositive because it was published before recent changes to the First Step Act.

On the other hand, the court did follow its criteria for evaluating the prisoner’s petition. Where it made helpful progress was in rejecting that the Director of the BOP’s findings on “extraordinary or compelling” reasons for early release was influential. The court determined that it would step into that role.

In sum, the BOP’s findings on criteria for compassionate release are not the final word on the court’s ruling on a compassionate release petition.

The Meaning of U.S. v. Fox for Future Compassionate Release Petitions

Prisoners should not focus on the court’s denial of the defendant’s compassionate release petition in U.S. v. Fox. Instead, the important takeaway from this case is that the court now replaces the Director of the BOP in reviewing a case for “extraordinary or compelling” reasons for early release.

The government may oppose a petition for compassionate release. This case makes clear that courts do not view themselves as obligated to accept BOP recommendations either way on compassionate release petitions.

Filing Your Compassionate Release Petition

Also, it is important to keep in mind that Mr. Fox did not retain a lawyer to file his compassionate release petition. Had he done so, an experienced criminal defense attorney would have presented arguments in line with the criteria for compassionate release.

The outcome of U.S. v. Fox highlights the significance of a dismissal without prejudice. The court invited the defendant to refile his petition if Congress makes a sentencing guideline reduction retroactive for his offenses. The option to refile the petition is not available for a dismissal with prejudice.

Even if you previously filed a petition for compassionate release that was dismissed without prejudice, you may secure a sentence reduction later on. A reliable defense attorney can assist you with understanding the ruling on a previously filed petition for compassionate release. They will also make sure that you meet the criteria for compassionate release.

Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys of Brandon Sample PLC to File a Petition for Compassionate Release

It is difficult to file a compassionate release petition without the assistance of a reputable criminal defense lawyer. This case shows that petitioners for compassionate release struggle to make appropriate legal arguments without guidance from an attorney.

Fortunately, you do not have to take on this battle alone. The skilled criminal defense advocates at Brandon Sample PLC routinely file petitions for compassionate release. They understand the complexities of the process. In addition, our proactive attorneys stay on top of developments regarding the Sentencing Commission and retroactive reductions in sentencing guidelines. Do not miss out on an opportunity to seek compassionate release based on a change to the sentencing guidelines for your offense.

Call the knowledgeable legal team at Brandon Sample PLC for compassionate release assistance if you or a loved one are serving a federal prison sentence. Reach our office at 802-444-4357 today to set up a consultation for your case. Find out whether you have grounds to reduce your prison term through compassionate release.