Seeking Sentence Reduction for Federal Drug Crimes Under Amendment 821

Seeking Sentence Reduction for Federal Drug Crimes Under Amendment 821

Hey there, if you or a loved one is serving time for a federal drug crime, you may have heard about something called Amendment 821 – but what exactly is it, and how can it help you? Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this new opportunity for sentence reductions.

First off, Amendment 821 was passed by the U.S. Sentencing Commission and is set to go into effect on November 1, 2023 (unless Congress blocks it). The main things it does are:

• Reduce the impact of “criminal history points” from past convictions when calculating sentencing guidelines
• Allow judges more flexibility to impose sentences below the guidelines for certain non-violent drug offenders

This opens the door for thousands of federal inmates to potentially get their sentences reduced – especially non-violent drug offenders serving long sentences under outdated mandatory minimum laws. I know that probably sounds too good to be true, but stick with me!

Who’s Eligible for a Sentence Reduction Under Amendment 821?

The people most likely to benefit from Amendment 821 are low-level, non-violent drug offenders with minimal criminal histories. This includes:

• First-time offenders
• People with only minor prior records
• People serving long sentences for small drug amounts
• Defendants who played minor roles in drug conspiracies

Violent criminals and drug kingpins won’t get any breaks. But a lot of “average” drug offenders – even those with mandatory minimums – may see sentence reductions of a year or more in some cases.

How Does the Process Work?

Starting November 1, 2023, you can file a motion in federal court asking for resentencing under Amendment 821. The judge will then review your case and decide if you’re eligible. If so, they’ll hold a hearing where they can reduce your sentence as appropriate. Here are some key things to know:

• Even if you’re eligible, the judge can still deny your request or only reduce your sentence by a small amount
• You don’t have an automatic right to a hearing, but can request one
• The judge can consider things like your behavior in prison when deciding whether to reduce your sentence
• You may need a lawyer’s help filing the motion and arguing for the biggest reduction possible

It’s not an automatic process, but Amendment 821 at least gives you a chance. The Sentencing Commission estimates around 11,500 current federal inmates could see lower guideline ranges.

How Much Could Your Sentence Be Reduced?

There’s no set amount for sentence reductions under Amendment 821. It depends on factors like:

• Your original guideline range
• The specifics of your case
• How much discretion the judge wants to exercise

That said, the Commission estimates average sentence reductions could be around 14 months for certain non-violent drug offenders. For others who get criminal history points recalculated, average reductions are projected around 15 months. That can make a huge difference if you’re serving a lengthy sentence!

What Should You Do Now?

If you think you may qualify for a reduced sentence under Amendment 821, here are some important steps:

• Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer to discuss your eligibility and options
• Start gathering evidence to show your rehabilitation efforts in prison
• Begin drafting your motion for filing on November 1, 2023
• Make sure your prison disciplinary record is clean
• Get letters of support from staff and family to include with your motion

Having an experienced federal prison release lawyer or post-conviction relief attorney on your side can really increase your odds of getting the biggest sentence reduction possible. They can navigate the process, argue your case persuasively, and give you the best shot.

Don’t Lose Hope!

I know you or your loved one may feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel right now. But Amendment 821 provides real reasons for optimism if you’re serving serious time for a non-violent federal drug crime. Tens of thousands of inmates will get a second look at their sentences starting in November.

This is a huge chance to finally get some justice and mercy. Don’t miss out on it! Take action now to prepare the strongest possible case for resentencing under Amendment 821. You have the power to change your life starting right now.

I’m rooting for you! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.

Helpful Resources

• U.S. Sentencing Commission Overview of Amendment 821
• Guide to Getting Sentence Reductions Under Amendment 821
• How Amendment 821 Works for Post-Conviction Relief