FAQ

People who went through the federal system themselves. Our lead researcher, Jeremy Zullo, brought the pro se motion behind the Second Circuit's decision in United States v. Brooker. That case held that the old policy statement did not limit judges on motions filed by incarcerated people themselves, and it helped shape how courts handled compassionate release after the First Step Act.

Mostly federal criminal matters. That includes compassionate release, sentence reductions, early termination of supervised release, 2255 motions, BOP administrative remedies, time-credit problems and clemency petitions.

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No one can. A judge or the BOP makes the final decision. What we promise is thorough research and careful, well-organized documents.

Digital products are covered by the Digital Product Terms: if a file cannot be opened or is corrupted, we will replace it or refund it. For one-on-one work, payment terms are set out in writing before any work starts, after a free consultation. Full details on our Refund Policy page.

It lets a judge reduce a federal sentence for extraordinary and compelling reasons, such as serious illness, advanced age or certain family emergencies. Your loved one usually has to ask the warden first. The court can hear the motion once all administrative appeal rights inside the BOP are fully exhausted, or once 30 days have passed since the warden received the request, whichever happens first. Since the Supreme Court's 2026 Rutherford ruling, a change in sentencing law that wasn't made retroactive does not count as a reason for compassionate release.

Credits earned by completing approved programs in federal prison, generally 10 to 15 days for every 30 days of programming, depending on risk level. They can move someone to home confinement, a halfway house or supervised release sooner. Some offenses are excluded.

Keep records of every program completed and every certificate. Ask for the calculation in writing. If the numbers don't match, the next step is usually a formal administrative remedy request, which we can help prepare.

Often, yes. After one year on supervised release, a person can ask the court to end it early. Courts look at compliance, employment, stability and the original offense.

Generally one year from when the conviction became final, with limited exceptions. Missing it is one of the most common and costly mistakes, so check the date early.

Usually no. The person in custody, or their attorney, has to file. Families can gather records, write support letters and stay organized, and that work matters.