How the First Step Act opened compassionate release
Since the First Step Act, people in federal prison can ask a court for compassionate release if the warden says no or doesn’t answer in 30 days.
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Compassionate release news, page 5
Can a long sentence be a reason for compassionate release?
In 2021, some federal prisoners used compassionate release to challenge very long sentences. Here is how that worked and what has changed since.
Why the BOP rarely granted compassionate release
A 2018 report found the BOP denied 94 percent of compassionate release requests, and 266 people died waiting. Here is how the First Step Act responded.
FAMM report: how the First Step Act changed release
A FAMM report explains how the First Step Act moved the final say on compassionate release from the Bureau of Prisons back to federal judges.
Judge orders Lompoc to send at-risk prisoners home (2020)
In 2020, a federal judge ordered the BOP to move low-risk prisoners at Lompoc to home confinement after a major COVID-19 outbreak. Here is what happened.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Judge frees woman after prison delayed cancer care (2019)
In U.S. v. Beck, a federal judge granted compassionate release after prison doctors delayed a woman’s breast cancer care for months. Here is what happened.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Ex-Massachusetts speaker speaks out on prison health care
Sal DiMasi, released on compassionate release after cancer in federal prison, says the Bureau of Prisons fails sick people. Here is what he shared.
Court ignores BOP 18-month rule for man with terminal cancer
In Wong Chi Fai, a federal court granted release to a man with terminal cancer even though surgery might have helped him live past 18 months.
Why older prisoners rarely get compassionate release
Prisons hold more older people than ever, yet few get compassionate release. Here is why the process is slow, how often it fails, and what changed.
Judge frees 71-year-old man in a wheelchair (2019)
A Minnesota federal judge granted compassionate release to a 71-year-old man with kidney and heart disease after the Bureau of Prisons said no. Here is why.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Release granted when prosecutors took no position
An Arizona federal judge granted compassionate release to an 81-year-old man after prosecutors took no position. Here is what helped and what it means for you.
Court recommends transfer instead of compassionate release
In U.S. v. Ingram, an Ohio federal court denied compassionate release but recommended moving the prisoner to a reentry center near his sick mother.
Maine court: the BOP doesn’t have the final word (2020)
In U.S. v. Fox, a Maine federal court said judges, not the BOP Director, decide what counts as an extraordinary and compelling reason for release.
Eight ways to shorten long prison sentences
A Prison Policy Initiative report offers ways to shorten long sentences, from parole and second looks to good time and better compassionate release.
BOP denies release to gravely ill ex-Birmingham mayor
In 2018, the BOP denied compassionate release to former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford, 72, despite end-stage lung disease and heart failure.
Dying man granted release under First Step Act dies (2019)
Steve Cheatham, dying of cancer, won compassionate release in court under the First Step Act but died before he could be told. Here is what his case shows.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.