How do you get time off a federal sentence?

Asked by: Clementina Reynolds V  |  Last update: November 8, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (15 votes)

Strategies to reduce your federal sentence or have it dropped entirely in 2025
  1. Compassionate release.
  2. Rule 35(b) motion for sentence reduction.
  3. Commutation of sentence.
  4. Retroactive application of sentencing guidelines. ...
  5. Post-conviction relief.
  6. Good conduct time credits.
  7. Participation in rehabilitation programs.

Can you get out early on a federal sentence?

While most federal inmates don't qualify for all types of early release from prison, many qualify for early release to differing degrees. For example, many inmates can earn additional time credits through the First Step Act.

Do you get good time with federal sentence?

Federal time has no parole but they do have good time. Good time can be maxed out by serving only 85% of those 24 months.

How do prisoners get time off of their sentence?

In order to earn good time, an inmate must meet the following criteria: Have a sentence that exceeds one year, even if it's one year and one day. Demonstrate proof of having a high school diploma, a GED, or be working toward a diploma.

What is good behavior in federal time?

Under federal law, good behavior is referred to as, “exemplary compliance with the institutional disciplinary regulations.” When prisoners demonstrate good behavior, they earn good time credit, which reduces the prisoner's actual time in custody.

#1 Way to Get a Shorter Federal Prison Sentence

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How to get time off a federal sentence?

Strategies to reduce your federal sentence or have it dropped entirely in 2025
  1. Compassionate release.
  2. Rule 35(b) motion for sentence reduction.
  3. Commutation of sentence.
  4. Retroactive application of sentencing guidelines. ...
  5. Post-conviction relief.
  6. Good conduct time credits.
  7. Participation in rehabilitation programs.

Can federal inmates get released early?

Early Release Through “Good Conduct” Credit: Early release is more easily available based on “good conduct” credits. Inmates in federal prisons can now obtain 54 days of good conduct credit per year, which is higher than the amount obtainable before the First Step Act went into effect.

How much time do you serve on a 5 year federal sentence?

Here's an example: a prisoner is serving a term of imprisonment of five years (1,826 days, including an extra day for a leap year). His conduct is excellent and he earns all possible good time. He should serve 85% of each year sentenced: He should earn 54 days of good time as he completes each set of 311 days.

How to get early release?

What Options for Early Release?
  1. Requests based on medical circumstances.
  2. Requests based on non-medical circumstances for elderly people.
  3. Requests based on non-medical circumstances in which there has been the death or incapacitation of the family member caregiver of a person's child.

Who qualifies for prop 57?

The California Supreme Court clearly stated that parole eligibility under Prop. 57 applies, “only to prisoners convicted of non-violent felonies.” (Brown v. Superior Court, June 6, 2016). Violent criminals as defined in Penal Code 667.5(c) are excluded from parole.

How can I reduce my federal sentence?

The President can commute (reduce) a sentence imposed by a federal court or the District of Columbia Superior Court. Use the commutation application if you are seeking relief from a prison sentence, fine, or restitution.

How long is 63 months in the feds?

If you are sentenced to 63 months (5 years and 3 months) in a federal prison, how long will you have to serve?

What is the Second Chance Act for federal inmates?

What is the Second Chance Act? The Second Chance Act authorized federal grants to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide reentry services and programs. Second Chance policies aim to remove the barriers returning citizens face in reentry and improve their participation in the economy.

What is the 65 rule for federal prisoners?

It has never been 65%, although that has been an unfounded rumor in the prisons for years that a law was going to be passed. Currently, a prisoner gets 54 days off for each year of their sentence, assuming no loss of time for bad behavior. Let me know if you need clarification or additional information.

How long does federal sentencing take?

Sentencing typically occurs three or four months after the initiation of a federal criminal case, but it will depend on the court's calendar, the time that it takes the probation department to complete a report, and the time it takes for the prosecution to complete their position paper.

How to get a sentence reduction?

After all evidence has been gathered, a petition or motion will need to be filed to the court to request the sentence reduction officially. Individuals asking for reduction commonly need to attend a court hearing, where the judge will review all documentation and issue a final decision.

How much can a sentence be reduced for good behavior?

For sentences of under 1 year, good conduct time can waive as much as 50% of the original sentence.

Are you able to negotiate an early release if required?

If your employer agrees to it, you can mutually decide to end your notice period prematurely and freeing you to leave sooner. And while this is rare and your employer may be unlikely to just release you from your contract, if you convey your urgency and need to leave, they may say yes.

How do I request an early release?

Providing advance notice of your upcoming absence gives your manager enough time to review and approve your request. Aim to ask at least a week before you need to leave early, ensuring that your manager has the opportunity to plan accordingly.It is also important to consider your manager's availability.

Can you get time off a federal sentence?

What Is Federal Good Time Credit? In the federal system, inmates who, in the judgment of the Bureau of Prisons, have exhibited "exemplary compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations" can get up to 54 days per year credited toward their sentences.

Do federal inmates get out early?

Federal law allows a credit of 54 days for every 365 days (or one year) of good behavior. To be eligible for early release, a person must be sentenced to more than one year in prison.

What is a good time federal sentence?

Federal prison good time credit is a federal system that allows inmates to earn a reduction in their sentences while staying within the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) custody based on good behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs.

What percentage of a federal sentence must be served?

In federal court you will have to serve 85% of your sentence if convicted of federal charges. Thus, if you are sentenced to 10 years in prison, you will actually serve 8.5 years in prison. However, for most state felony convictions, you will only serve 50% of your actual sentence.

What is the new law for federal inmates?

The First Step Act requires the Attorney General to develop a risk and needs assessment system to be used by BOP to assess the recidivism risk and criminogenic needs of all federal prisoners and to place prisoners in recidivism reducing programs and productive activities to address their needs and reduce this risk.

What is the 18 month rule for BOP?

Inmates may participate in the program at any point during their sentence; however, they must have at least 18 months remaining on their sentence. The duration of the program varies based on inmate need, with a minimum duration of nine months.