Reduced sentences for health-impaired offenders under updated federal guidelines
The United States Sentencing Commission adopted new Federal Sentencing Guidelines on November 1, 2023, which include new provisions for reducing sentences for offenders with serious health issues. This amendment is a significant development in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals within the federal criminal justice system.
If you or someone you know is facing federal charges or have already been convicted, you might be eligible for what is known as “compassionate release” depending on your health status and the facts of your case.
Contact federal defense attorney Robert M. Helfend at 800-834-6434 for a free case review.
Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines, established by the USSC, serve as a framework for sentencing in federal crimes. They aim to ensure fair and uniform sentencing while allowing for individual circumstances to be considered.
New health-related provisions
- Medical Condition of the Defendant – Offenders with severe health conditions that require specialized care not available in prison can now seek reduced sentences.
- Infectious Disease Outbreaks – Reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this provision allows for sentence modifications for inmates at high risk in facilities affected by infectious disease outbreaks.
Impact of the amendments
These changes emphasize the need for compassionate treatment of health-compromised inmates, recognizing the unique challenges they face in the prison environment. It means that inmates in poor health no longer have to suffer in the substandard conditions and care of the federal prison system.
How to get help
If you believe these new guidelines could impact your sentence or that of someone you know, it’s vital to get professional legal advice. Contact Robert M. Helfend at 800-834-6434 for a free consultation to explore your options.
With his extensive experience in federal criminal defense, Mr. Helfend can provide invaluable assistance in understanding and applying these new guidelines to your case.
Published November 10, 2023.