Today, the United States Sentencing commission voted to approve a 2 level reduction for most non violent federal drug offenders. The 2 level reduction will permanently change the Federal Sentencing Guidelines that became advisory to District Judges following the landmark decisionsof United States v. Blakely, 542 U.S. 296 (2004), and United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005).
The change will apply to an estimated 51,000 inmates permitting the inmates to petition for early release starting November 15, 2014. Some Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys have argued successfully for the 2 level reduction to apply immediately instead of waiting until November 15 and bringing the Defendant back before the Court for resentencing.
The Sentencing Commission noted that the change received unanimous support due to the measured approach to sentencing and the fiscal impact the change will have on the Federal Prison System since early estimates indicate that the reduction could decrease a prison sentence by an average of 25 months.
Our firm applauds the decision by the commission and is currenly working to advise all clients of the change and assist with the filing for resentencing in accordance with the vote.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-315-7441, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.