Q: Is there still parole in the federal BOP?
My fiance is in federal prison serving a 20 year sentence for a nonviolent crime. He has served 7 years this far and I am wondering if there is still a chance of parole or any other options for early release?
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A:
There is no parole in the federal prison system for crimes committed after November 1, 1987. The federal parole system was abolished, so most federal inmates must serve at least 85% of their sentence under the “truth in sentencing” law. However, there are still some potential avenues for early release.
One option is through “good conduct time,” where an inmate can earn time off their sentence for good behavior, potentially reducing their sentence by up to 54 days per year. Additionally, the First Step Act, passed in 2018, allows inmates to earn additional time credits by participating in certain programs and activities. These credits can be used towards early release to a halfway house, home confinement, or supervised release.
Compassionate release is another possibility if your fiancé meets specific criteria such as severe medical conditions, age, or other extraordinary circumstances. It’s essential to stay informed and consider consulting with legal counsel familiar with federal prison policies to explore these options fully and see what might apply to your fiancé’s situation.
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