Is the First Step Act good or bad?
Asked by: Zack Vandervort | Last update: December 29, 2025Score: 5/5 (7 votes)
Some voters argue that the FSA was adopted under a misguided approach to reforming our federal justice system. Many who oppose the First Step Act argue that, despite good intentions, it is dangerous to release prisoners back into society without a full prison sentence, and rush rehabilitation.
Is the First Step Act good?
Passage of the First Step Act has not led to increased crime. Of the nearly 30,000 people released under the First Step Act, only 12.4% have been re-arrested or returned to federal custody. This is far lower than the general federal recidivism rate of 43%.
Who benefits from the First Step Act?
That means that the Act only helps inmates who were convicted in Federal District Court as a result of violating federal law.
How much time can you get off with the First Step Act?
Prior to the First Step Act, prisoners, no matter their security level, would have to serve 85% of their sentence. The First Step Act allowed for an incentive of up to one year off a sentence and an unlimited amount of credits toward home confinement by participating in certain programs.
Who opposed the First Step Act?
Notable Republican lawmakers who opposed the bill included Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ben Sasse (R-NE), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Twelve Republican senators in total voted against the First Step Act.
Larry Levine explains the First Step Act and who's Eligible
Did the First Step Act help black people?
While the act provides some much-needed sentencing reform, only one of the sentencing provisions applies retroactively. Because many people were initially incarcerated due to racially discriminatory policies, without retroactive application, the act fails to remedy past racial injustices.
What disqualifies you from the First Step Act?
Offenses that make inmates ineligible to earn time credits are generally categorized as violent, or involve terrorism, espionage, human trafficking, sex and sexual exploitation; additionally excluded offenses are a repeat felon in possession of firearm, or high-level drug offenses.
What are the negative effects of the First Step Act?
Many who oppose the First Step Act argue that, despite good intentions, it is dangerous to release prisoners back into society without a full prison sentence, and rush rehabilitation. A community impacted by a specific prisoner may be upset to learn they will be released into society sooner than expected.
How long is 40 months in jail?
In a 40 month sentence you will likely serve 1–1.5 years behind bars. If you're eligible, and can get immediately into the RDAP program, take off another 9 months and you can be out in about 1 year.
How do prisoners get early release?
Some prison sentences currently include parole, which allows early release after serving part of a sentence. Those eligible for parole typically must be interviewed by a parole board and, if approved, meet certain conditions while serving the remainder of their time in the community.
How much time do you serve on a 10 year federal sentence?
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 to release inmates 2025?
The new law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, requires people convicted of certain crimes to serve 85% of their sentence to be eligible for parole instead of 75% of their sentence.
What are the pros and cons of sentencing reform?
- CONS: reformation programs cost money, (although it should be considered an investment. ...
- PROS: it would dramatically lower the prison recidivism rate.
- There would be much less violent crime, and subsequently less victims of violent crime.
- The prison population would within time would decrease by many fold, saving money.
Is the first step the hardest?
The first step is always the hardest. It takes guts, determination, and confidence to make that move, and most people don't have the right stuff. The good news is, once you have taken that first step and built up your confidence, the second and third steps become so much easier.
What is the smarter sentencing act 2024?
Increasing individualized review for certain drug sentences: The Smarter Sentencing Act lowers certain drug mandatory sentences, allowing federal judges to determine, on a case-by-case basis, when the harshest penalties should apply.
How to fix mass incarceration?
- On the front end, by reducing the number of people who needlessly enter prison in the first place;
- On the back end, by shrinking the existing prison population by allowing prisoners who have proven they are ready to re-enter society the opportunity to transition out of confinement; and.
What is 85% of an 8 year sentence?
85% of 8 years is 6yrs and 8 months. Fed time 85% automatically . State time in my State 7 months 21 days equals a State year. Depends on what state your in.
What is life like in jail?
You're told when to eat, sleep, exercise, and visit with your loved ones. Not being in control of your life brings about a feeling of frustration. Your thoughts begin to consume you, and you just want to sleep to escape this reality, but the yelling and banging all night keep you awake.
How long is 120 days in jail?
120 days is 6 months. A day is 24 hours and includes day and night.
Is the First Step Act a law?
The First Step Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–391) was signed into law on December 21, 2018.
What is the recidivism rate for the First Step Act?
With a recidivism rate of 9.7%, the 44,673 people released under the FSA over four years could have accounted for between 5,651 and 7,097 arrests in the community over four years.
What are the negative effects of the No Child Left Behind Act?
NCLB created a school environment that is unnecessarily competitive and goes to extremes to punish schools that do not live up to these competitive standards. In addition, value added-assessment—basing teacher pay on performance—adds to the existing pressure teachers and principals already feel to raise test scores.
How much time does the First Step Act take off your sentence?
Under the First Step Act, eligible inmates can earn up to 365 days off their sentence by engaging in programs designed to lower reoffense rates and participating in constructive activities like work or religious practices. These credits, awarded monthly, are capped at 15 days off per month.
How much time do you serve on a 10 year sentence?
Typically, you will serve between 1/2 to 2/3 of the sentence - depending upon state guidelines and the specific crime. before being elgible for parole.
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.