Sentence Reduction — Ask the Inmate
Every day served inside is a day that cannot be recovered. Understanding every legal and programmatic tool available to reduce a sentence is essential knowledge for any inmate and their family. The federal system offers multiple pathways, standard good time credits, First Step Act earned time credits through programming, RDAP sentence reduction of up to 12 months, compassionate release for qualifying medical conditions, and substantial assistance motions filed by the government. State systems have their own tools including good time credits that vary dramatically from 15 percent to 67 percent depending on the state. This section covers all of these pathways in plain language, who qualifies for each, how they interact with each other, and what realistic expectations look like for different situations. The guidance here is practical and honest about what is available and what is not. See also our sections on RDAP, First Step Act, Parole and Probation, and Post Conviction Appeals.
All inmates start with good time credits regardless of the sentence. It is a built-in incentive to behave.
Read moreYes, diversion is offered in first-time misdemeanor cases all the time. The further up the "seriousness ladder", the least likely you are to get an easy way out. Diversion is often seen in low quanity marijuana possession where illegal and similar offenses.
Read moreYes. But all of the programs have qualifications and restrictions. Where he is incarcerated and for what type of offense will narrow down what he might be eligible for. He should definitely visit his counselor and learn from the staff what he should be doing to effectively reduce his sentence or to at least know what's available
Read moreIf he is granted parole, the release comes pretty soon thereafter. Every case is a little different depending on where the parolee is going to live, work and what were the conditions of his release.
Read moreThere are no programs that will reduce his time except for RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program). RDAP is only available for federal inmates and you have to be approved almost before you go in, or at least prepare to apply to the program before you go in - having all of the proper language in your PSR (pre-sentence report).
Read moreUnfortunately there is not much an inmate can do to get their sentenced shortened especially under a violent crime conviction, unless they are willing to share information with law enforcement that leads to the conviction of another person. Most inmates do not want to be known as a snitch but to get 3-5 years taken off the sentence, some think it is worth it.
Read moreThe answer depends significantly on whether the sentence is state or federal, and which state is involved, because the landscape varies widely. Blanket early release programs for second strikers do not really exist as a standard feature of any system. What does exist are more targeted pathways that can result in earlier release for certain drug offenders. The most common are drug treatment completion programs, where finishing a qualifying program like RDAP in the federal system can earn up
Read moreThere used to be some programs that gave offenders good time credits for kitchen work, but things have changed quite a bit and there are only a few state prisons left that offer incentives like that.
Read moreRealistically, no. Release dates on short sentences like this rarely shift unless something unusual happens, either a serious disciplinary issue that adds time, or an extraordinary circumstance that accelerates release such as a medical situation or severe facility overcrowding. Barring either of those, plan on the scheduled release date. It is also worth putting this sentence in perspective. A felony gun possession charge typically carries five years or more in most states, and that number is trending higher as
Read moreYes they can. It is also possible that they might consider a short-time inmate for an early release if they're too crowded - and your offender has been well-behaved
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