TL;DR:
Inspiring change in prison requires belief and action. While only the President or a federal judge can change a sentence, administrative changes can also lead to early release. I’ve advocated for programs like the First Step Act and continue to push for more opportunities for relief. Despite cynicism, effective advocacy can create change. Henry Ford said, “There are two kinds of people in the world: those who think they can, and those who think they can’t. Both are right.” Believe in your potential. Document your journey and build a record to show why you’re a worthy candidate for early release. Join us in creating pathways to higher levels of liberty.
Newsletter: How to Get Early Release
Once a federal judge sentences a person to prison, there are only two people who can change that sentence: the President of the United States, who can commute it, or, in some circumstances, a federal judge. However, changing the sentence isn’t the only way to get out of prison early. Laws can change, resulting in administrative relief.
Since finishing my sentence, I’ve worked consistently to open more pathways to liberty. I advocate for administrative changes that may not change the sentence but could help more people transition from prison to the community, where they could continue serving the latter part of the sentence.
Many people are cynical about the possibility of such changes. I understand. Our country has built an entire ecosystem around mass incarceration, with many vested interests in maintaining long sentences and removing any mechanisms that could lead to an earlier release.
But I’m used to such obstacles.
I began serving my sentence in the mid-1980s when the federal system still offered parole. Under that system, if a man had a 10-year sentence, he could go before a parole board after serving a third of his sentence. The parole board would then determine whether continued incarceration was necessary.
Laws changed, doing away with paroleable sentences in the federal system. People convicted of federal crimes after November 1, 1987, received sentences under the new law, requiring them to serve more than 85% of their sentence.
Effective advocacy later opened some administrative relief for those who qualified. The RDAP program, for example, began in the mid-1990s. But that was the only administrative program until President Trump signed the First Step Act in 2018. Several more years passed before the BOP implemented programs allowing those who qualified to get relief.
Under today’s law, not everyone qualifies for the time credits under the First Step Act. I’m advocating for changes that will allow every person in federal prison to qualify for the First Step Act. With help from people inside, I hope to persuade leaders that they should open possibilities for federal work release programs and other incentives that encourage people to work toward preparing for success upon release. I believe in incentivizing excellence, and I am convinced that more opportunities will open with the next administration.
To succeed, it will take a lot of moving parts. We’ll need to get prison administrators and legislators to support the idea. We’ll need to get people in prison to build records of accomplishment to show why they’re worthy candidates for relief.
There is no magic pill to help people get out of prison early. Many have a vested interest in keeping the system as it is or making it harder. To bring about change, we all have to do our part. We must show that if a person has worked hard to make amends and reconcile with society, then opportunities ought to exist for them to get out earlier. It’s in the best interest of society.
Henry Ford once said, “There are two kinds of people in the world: those who think they can, and those who think they can’t. Both are right.” I choose to believe we can.
I hope you’ll join me by documenting all the ways you’re preparing for success upon release. Consider following the steps outlined below. Our team of dedicated interns will follow up with those who want to join this pathway we’re striving to carve to higher levels of liberty at earlier times.
I encourage each person inside to build a record showing why you’re a worthy candidate for relief.
Today’s Question
How would you advise me to advocate more effectively for reforming systems so that people would have opportunities to earn freedom?
Steps to Build Your Profile
1. Send an invite to Interns@PrisonProfessorsTalent.com
2. Once accepted, send an email to the interns with the following information:
– Your name
– Your number
– Your location
– Your sentence length
3. Respond to any questions presented in the newsletter by sending your answers to the email above.
By taking these steps, you can memorialize your journey and demonstrate your commitment to a better future.
