MOTION FOR COMPASSIONATE RELEASE / REDUCTION IN SENTENCE

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)

---

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE [DISTRICT NAME] DISTRICT OF [STATE]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,	Criminal Case No.: _________________
v.	MOTION FOR COMPASSIONATE
	RELEASE / REDUCTION IN
[DEFENDANT FULL NAME],	SENTENCE PURSUANT TO
Defendant.	18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)

---

INTRODUCTION

Defendant respectfully moves this Honorable Court pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A), as amended by the First Step Act of 2018, for compassionate release or a reduction of sentence. Extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant such relief, and the applicable 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors support a sentence reduction to time served or to home confinement.

---

PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST

Before filing this motion, verify the following requirements:

☐ Administrative exhaustion requirement satisfied:
☐ Defendant has fully exhausted administrative appeals within BOP; OR
☐ 30 days have elapsed since Defendant submitted request to warden

☐ Extraordinary and compelling reasons exist for release
☐ Release is consistent with applicable policy statements (U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13)
☐ Section 3553(a) factors support a reduction
☐ Defendant is not a danger to the community
☐ Supporting documentation (medical records, etc.) is attached

---

PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE EXHAUSTION

1. Administrative Exhaustion Requirement:

Under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A), a defendant may file a motion for compassionate release after:

☐ Option A: Fully exhausting all administrative rights to appeal a failure of the Bureau of Prisons to bring a motion on the defendant's behalf; OR

☐ Option B: The lapse of 30 days from the receipt of such a request by the warden of the defendant's facility, whichever is earlier.

2. Exhaustion Timeline:

Event	Date
Date request submitted to Warden:
Date of Warden's response (if any):
If appeal filed, date of final BOP decision:
Date of this motion:

3. Documentation of Exhaustion:

☐ Copy of request to Warden attached (Exhibit ___)
☐ Copy of Warden's denial attached (Exhibit ___)
☐ Documentation of appeal(s) attached (Exhibit ___)
☐ 30 days have elapsed since request to Warden (no response received)

4. Summary of Administrative Request:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

PART II: DEFENDANT INFORMATION

5. Defendant's Full Legal Name:
_____________________________________________________________

6. Current Place of Confinement:

Field	Information
Institution:
Address:
City, State, ZIP:
BOP Register Number:
Security Level:

7. Sentence Information:

Field	Information
Date of Sentencing:
Total Sentence:
Time Served:
Projected Release Date:
Good Time Credits Earned:

8. Offense(s) of Conviction:

Count	Offense	U.S.C. Citation
1
2
3

---

PART III: EXTRAORDINARY AND COMPELLING REASONS

Under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i), the court may reduce a sentence if it finds that "extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant such a reduction." The U.S. Sentencing Commission's policy statement in U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13 (as amended November 1, 2023) identifies six categories of extraordinary and compelling reasons:

Select the applicable category or categories:

---

CATEGORY 1: MEDICAL CIRCUMSTANCES (§ 1B1.13(b)(1))

☐ (A) Terminal Illness - Defendant is suffering from a terminal illness with an end-of-life trajectory

☐ (B) Serious Physical or Medical Condition - Defendant is suffering from a serious physical or medical condition, serious functional or cognitive impairment, or deteriorating physical or mental health because of the aging process that substantially diminishes the ability to provide self-care within the correctional facility and from which recovery is not expected

☐ (C) Inadequate BOP Medical Care - Defendant is suffering from a medical condition that requires long-term or specialized medical care that is not being provided and without which the defendant is at risk of serious deterioration in health or death

☐ (D) Risk Due to Infectious Disease Outbreak - Defendant presents circumstances similar to (A)-(C) due to outbreak of infectious disease or other ongoing public health emergency at the facility AND defendant is not fully vaccinated against the infectious disease AND is at increased risk due to personal health risk factors

If Medical Circumstances Apply, Complete the Following:

9. Medical Condition(s):

Condition	Date of Diagnosis	Treating Physician

10. Terminal Illness (if applicable):

Field	Information
Diagnosis:
Prognosis:
Life Expectancy:

11. Detailed Description of Medical Condition(s):
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

12. How condition substantially diminishes ability to provide self-care:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

13. Current Treatment Being Provided:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

14. Treatment Needed But Not Available in BOP:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

15. Medical Documentation Attached:

☐ Medical records (Exhibit ___)
☐ Physician's statement/declaration (Exhibit ___)
☐ BOP medical records (Exhibit ___)
☐ Outside medical expert opinion (Exhibit ___)

---

CATEGORY 2: AGE OF THE DEFENDANT (§ 1B1.13(b)(2))

☐ Defendant is at least 65 years old, is experiencing a serious deterioration in physical or mental health because of the aging process, and has served at least 10 years or 75 percent of the term of imprisonment (whichever is less)

If Age Applies, Complete the Following:

16. Age Information:

Field	Information
Date of Birth:
Current Age:
Age at Sentencing:

17. Sentence Completion:

Field	Information
Total Sentence (months):
Time Served (months):
Percentage of Sentence Served:
75% of Sentence (months):
10 years (120 months):
Lesser of 10 years or 75%:

18. Age-Related Health Deterioration:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

CATEGORY 3: FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES (§ 1B1.13(b)(3))

☐ (A) Death or Incapacitation of Caregiver - The death or incapacitation of the caregiver of the defendant's minor child or the defendant's child who is 18 years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability or a medical condition

☐ (B) Incapacitation of Spouse/Partner - The incapacitation of the defendant's spouse or registered partner when the defendant would be the only available caregiver for the spouse or registered partner

☐ (C) Incapacitation of Parent - The incapacitation of the defendant's parent when the defendant would be the only available caregiver for the parent

☐ (D) Death or Incapacitation of Family Caregiver - The defendant establishes that circumstances similar to (A)-(C) exist involving any other immediate family member or an individual whose relationship with the defendant is similar to an immediate family relationship

If Family Circumstances Apply, Complete the Following:

19. Family Member Requiring Care:

Field	Information
Name:
Relationship to Defendant:
Age:
Address:

20. Nature of Incapacity or Death:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

21. Why Defendant Is the Only Available Caregiver:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

22. Other Potential Caregivers Considered and Why Unavailable:

Name	Relationship	Reason Unavailable

23. Documentation Attached:

☐ Death certificate (if applicable)
☐ Medical records of family member
☐ Declaration from family members
☐ Other documentation: ___________________________________________

---

CATEGORY 4: VICTIM OF ABUSE (§ 1B1.13(b)(4))

☐ Defendant, while in custody serving the sentence, was a victim of sexual abuse (§ 2241 or § 2242), physical abuse (§ 113), or murder (§ 1111 or § 1112) AND the misconduct was committed by or at the direction of a BOP correctional officer, employee, or contractor

If Victim of Abuse Applies, Complete the Following:

24. Description of Abuse:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

25. Date(s) of Abuse:
_____________________________________________________________

26. Perpetrator Information:
_____________________________________________________________

27. Report Filed:

☐ Yes - Date: _____________ Report Number: _____________
☐ No - Explain: _____________________________________________

28. Documentation Attached:

☐ Incident report
☐ Medical records
☐ Investigation findings
☐ Other: ___________________________________________________

---

CATEGORY 5: UNUSUALLY LONG SENTENCE (§ 1B1.13(b)(6))

☐ Defendant received an unusually long sentence AND has served at least 10 years of that sentence AND a change in the law (other than an amendment to the Guidelines Manual not made retroactive) would produce a gross disparity between the sentence being served and the sentence likely to be imposed at the time the motion is filed

If Unusually Long Sentence Applies, Complete the Following:

29. Change in Law:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

30. Sentence Disparity Analysis:

Field	Information
Sentence Imposed:
Likely Sentence Under Current Law:
Disparity:

31. Explanation of Gross Disparity:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

CATEGORY 6: OTHER REASONS (§ 1B1.13(b)(5))

☐ Defendant presents any other circumstance or combination of circumstances that, when considered by themselves or together with any of the above reasons, are similar in gravity to the circumstances described above

If Other Reasons Apply, Complete the Following:

32. Description of Other Extraordinary and Compelling Circumstances:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

PART IV: SECTION 3553(a) FACTORS

The Court must consider the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) in determining whether to grant compassionate release.

33. Nature and Circumstances of the Offense:

Field	Information
Offense Conduct Summary:
Role in Offense:
Aggravating Factors:
Mitigating Factors:

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

34. History and Characteristics of the Defendant:

Field	Information
Age:
Education:
Employment History:
Family Status:
Mental Health History:
Substance Abuse History:

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

35. Need for the Sentence:

Explain why the requested reduction is sufficient to:

(a) Reflect the seriousness of the offense:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

(b) Promote respect for the law:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

(c) Provide just punishment:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

(d) Afford adequate deterrence:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

(e) Protect the public:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

36. Post-Sentencing Conduct and Rehabilitation:

Factor	Details
Disciplinary History:
Programs Completed:
Educational Achievements:
Work History in BOP:
Other Positive Conduct:

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

37. Need to Avoid Unwarranted Sentencing Disparities:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

PART V: DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY

Under U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13(a)(2), the defendant must not be "a danger to the safety of any other person or to the community."

38. Why Defendant Is Not a Danger:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

39. Factors Supporting Non-Dangerousness:

☐ Advanced age
☐ Physical condition/disability
☐ Length of time since offense conduct
☐ Positive institutional conduct
☐ Strong family/community support
☐ Completion of rehabilitative programming
☐ No history of violence
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

40. Risk Assessment Information (if available):
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

PART VI: RELEASE PLAN

41. Proposed Residence Upon Release:

Field	Information
Address:
City, State, ZIP:
Relationship of Resident(s):
Phone Number:

42. Medical Care Plan (if applicable):

Field	Information
Healthcare Provider:
Insurance Status:
Treatment Plan:

43. Financial Support:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

44. Employment Plans:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

45. Community Support:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

---

PART VII: SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

46. Attachments Checklist:

☐ Request to Warden and response(s)
☐ Medical records
☐ Physician declaration/statement
☐ BOP institutional records
☐ Program completion certificates
☐ Letters of support
☐ Documentation of family circumstances
☐ Release plan documentation
☐ Housing verification
☐ Employment verification (if applicable)
☐ Other: _____________________________________________________

---

PART VIII: REQUEST FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Honorable Court:

☐ 1. Grant this Motion for Compassionate Release pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A);

☐ 2. Reduce Defendant's sentence to time served;

☐ 3. In the alternative, reduce Defendant's sentence to _______ months;

☐ 4. In the alternative, reduce Defendant's sentence to home confinement for the remainder of the term;

☐ 5. Order Defendant's immediate release;

☐ 6. Waive the administrative exhaustion requirement (if applicable);

☐ 7. Appoint counsel to assist Defendant with this motion;

☐ 8. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

---

PART IX: VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, _________________________________, declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Executed on: ______________________ (Date)

At: _______________________________ (City, State)

_________________________________
Defendant's Signature

_________________________________
Printed Name

_________________________________
BOP Register Number

---

Attorney Information (if represented):

_________________________________
Attorney Name

_________________________________
Bar Number

_________________________________
Address

_________________________________
Phone / Email

---

PART X: CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on _________________ (date), I served a copy of this Motion for Compassionate Release on:

United States Attorney:
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]

United States Probation Office:
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]

By: ☐ U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid
☐ Electronic filing (CM/ECF)
☐ Hand delivery
☐ Other: ___________________

_________________________________
Signature

---

STATE-SPECIFIC NOTES

California (Central, Northern, Southern, Eastern Districts)

• Ninth Circuit has extensive compassionate release case law
• Review United States v. Aruda and Ninth Circuit guidance
• Ninth Circuit has addressed COVID-19 related motions extensively
• Consider local district practices and success rates

Texas (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western Districts)

• Fifth Circuit precedent applies
• Fifth Circuit has specific standards for § 3582(c)(1)(A)
• Southern District of Texas has significant caseload
• Consider Fifth Circuit's approach to rehabilitation as factor

Florida (Northern, Middle, Southern Districts)

• Eleventh Circuit precedent applies
• Eleventh Circuit has addressed scope of "extraordinary and compelling"
• Consider United States v. Bryant and related cases
• Southern District has substantial compassionate release practice

New York (Southern, Eastern, Northern, Western Districts)

• Second Circuit precedent applies
• SDNY and EDNY have extensive compassionate release experience
• Consider United States v. Brooker (Second Circuit)
• Second Circuit permits consideration of non-enumerated factors

---

GRANT RATE STATISTICS (FY 2024)

Circuit	Approximate Grant Rate
Second Circuit	~35%
Ninth Circuit	~25%
Eleventh Circuit	~18%
Fifth Circuit	~12%
Eighth Circuit	~7%
National Average	~16%

Note: Grant rates vary significantly by district and individual judge. Statistics are approximate and subject to change.

---

KEY LEGAL AUTHORITIES

Authority	Description
18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)	Statutory authority for compassionate release
First Step Act of 2018	Allowed defendants to file motions directly
U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13	Policy statement (amended Nov. 1, 2023)
Amendment 814	2023 amendments to § 1B1.13
United States v. Brooker, 976 F.3d 228 (2d Cir. 2020)	District courts not bound by old § 1B1.13

---

ATTACHMENTS CHECKLIST

☐ Request to Warden (with date stamp or proof of receipt)
☐ Warden's response (if any)
☐ Medical records and documentation
☐ Physician declarations
☐ BOP institutional records
☐ Program completion certificates
☐ Letters of support from family/community
☐ Documentation of family circumstances
☐ Verified release plan
☐ Housing verification
☐ Employment verification
☐ Memorandum of Law

---

This template addresses motions for compassionate release under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A) as amended by the First Step Act of 2018 and the November 2023 amendments to U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13. Requirements and judicial approaches vary by circuit and district. Consult current case law and local practices.