Compassionate release washington state. Sometimes .

Compassionate release washington state. But the program does not provide parameters for how serious and how In 2018, Congress expanded the so-called “compassionate release” statute to allow inmates to petition their sentencing judges for reductions based on extraordinary circumstances. g. Current Introduction (July 31, 2025) This page provides the latest data on motions filed for compassionate release in federal court. C. Contact: Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273 tlaino@famm. FAMM knows from our research that very few people are granted compassionate release. Despite strong public support, states fail to use compassionate release programs WASHINGTON – Today, FAMM has released a compassionate release report, including report cards for every state, grading compassionate release programs designed for 1100 H Street, NW, Suite 1000 Washington, D. May 18, 2021 · What is Compassionate Release? Compassionate release, often referred to as compassionate release of elderly offenders or compassionate release for extraordinary and compelling reasons, is a legal mechanism allowing federal prisoners to seek early release from incarceration under extraordinary circumstances. Sep 20, 2024 · A Washington State man entering his golden years will also enter the confines of federal prison after admittedly robbing at least 11 banks — the last of which was robbed after he had been granted compassionate release from a prior punishment for the same type of crime. Those criteria are loosely defined and likely difficult to apply by those responsible for assessing individuals for release. 98-473, 98 Stat. Jul 25, 2024 · One policy approach to address the population of older people in prison is the adoption by states of medical and geriatric parole laws, sometimes referred to as compassionate release. Clemency and Compassionate Release: Resources by State Below you'll find information about clemency and compassionate release specific to your state, including each state's compassionate release laws and FAMM's report card for each state. Sep 28, 2021 · With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic,5 the courts received thousands of compassionate release motions, most filed by offenders. The data in this report reflects compassionate release motions decided by the courts during calendar years 2020 and 2021 (January 1, 2020 A federal petition for writ of habeas corpus is not the appropriate vehicle for obtaining compassionate release. Petitioner is free to seek compassionate release from the Washington State Department of Corrections or the Sep 28, 2023 · The Board will want to know about the release plan in place for a person including where they will live, will they have work, will any need for support or treatment be addressed, and whether the person will have family members or other community members to help them transition back into the community. Understand timelines, BOP procedures, and court filings. Sometimes The department shall notify the state patrol of the release of all sex offenders, and that information shall be placed in the Washington crime information center for dissemination to all law enforcement. 94A. Applications must demonstrate a direct family connection and provide necessary documentation. To ensure full functionality and correct formatting, please use compatible processing software such as Microsoft Word. There are strict parameters that define when a compassionate release is appropriate, and a court will not grant a defendant compassionate release unless the defendant I The requirements for this compassionate release motion being filed with the court differ from the requirements that you would use to submit a compassionate release request to the Bureau of Prisons. Sentencing Commission approved new guidelines on Wednesday that will expand federal inmates' ability to qualify for compassionate release from prison. L. 21. But, like in most states, Maryland seldom relies on these compassionate release policies to release the elderly and infirm from prison, despite posing a minimal risk to public safety and a significant cost burden on the state budget. Clayton County Sam Parry PDF When Uncle Sam Spills: A State Regulator’s Guide to Enforcement Actions Against the Federal Government Under the Clean Water Act Ian M. Mar 28, 2025 · Learn how federal sentence reductions work under 18 U. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Washington State’s incarceraon rate more than doubled in recent decades, largely as the result of harsh new sentencing laws that sent more people to prison, oGen for many decades. Compassionate release motions will be filed with the sentencing judge in accordance with the statutory requirements of 18 U. An overview of the Commission's work on "Compassionate Release" during the 2022-2023 amendment year. , public safety, just punishment, etc. 605 Interstate Compact. The “extraordinary and compelling” circumstances contemplated by Congress and the Sentencing Commission have traditionally focused on circumstances personal to the defendant or his family. 195 Conditional release—Court approval—Compliance—Secretary to coordinate with designated treatment providers, department of corrections staff, and local law enforcement—Rules. Adopted by 49 states in varying forms, compassionate release is primarily designed for older incarcerated people with terminal illnesses. This post gives a summary of the provisions of this Jul 1, 1998 · 10. Compassionate release is when jails and prisons let people out before their sentence is complete due to their health or family situations. This report provides an analysis of the compassionate release motions decided by the courts during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025. Pursuant to section 3582 (c) (1) (A) of title 18, United States Code, courts are authorized to reduce a defendant’s term of imprisonment based on “extraordinary and compelling reasons. Sep 28, 2023 · In Washington, some individuals may be released early from prison by the Department of Corrections (DOC) due to a significant medical condition through Extraordinary Medical Placement (EMP). ” When considering any motion under section 3582 (c) (1) (A) (commonly referred For an overview of Washington’s prison-rate history from the 1980s into the 2010s, see Katherine Beckett & Heather D. But interest in second look legislation has grown over the past five years, according to Maria Goellner, the director of state policy at Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a nonpartisan criminal justice advocacy organization known as This report provides an analysis of the compassionate release motions filed with the courts and decided during fiscal year 2023. Dec 28, 2024 · California’s compassionate release laws are crucial for addressing the needs of incarcerated individuals facing severe health conditions or advanced age. §§ 3582(c)(1)(A) and 4205(g), Section Dec 13, 2024 · Compassionate Release in California: A Comprehensive Guide Compassionate release is a critical yet often misunderstood component of California’s legal system. 200 Release—Procedure. In trying to understand why that is the case, we evaluated every program in every state that offers one. ] Recodified as RCW 10. The requirements are laid out in a Pennsylvania statute which allows an inmate's sentencing judge to allow the early release upon review of a properly filed motion meeting the requirements of the law. Clifford Court Uptegrove, 61, pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery in April. S. Table 1 and Figure 1, combine this data with data on compassionate release motions from prior fiscal years to facilitate trend analyses. Creating or expanding mechanisms for early release from prison could help accelerate the pace of decarceration. This form should only be used for a compassionate release motion made to the court. However, because the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) seldom brought these Every incarcerated individual has a right to basic health care (RCW 72. Terminal illness which requires special care or treatment is a major concern for prison inmates who may be unable to access the same type or quality of care in prison as they would outside of an institutional setting. 030 the judicial officer must: Mar 10, 2023 · On April 5, 2023, the United States Sentencing Commission approved significant changes to the federal sentencing guidelines that will, among other things, expand access to and eligibility for compassionate release for those being held. 1However, compassionate release laws vary widely by state and are far less “compas- sionate” in practice than the name implies. In response, NACDL, FAMM, and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs combined to create the Compassionate Release Clearinghouse. 590 pursuant to 2025 c 358 s 2. “Everywhere and Nowhere: Compassionate Release in the States,” is a comprehensive, state-by-state report on the early-release programs available to prisoners struggling with certain extraordinary circumstances, such as a terminal or age-related illness. These rights are listed in RCW 7. Even more tragically, Washington officials overturned 73 of the 84 approvals, leaving prisoners no choice but to fight these denials in court. Jan 11, 2024 · In Washington State, in a few limited circumstances, some people may be released from prison before the end of their sentence aside from earning “good time” (earned early release for good behavior and participating in DOC programming). The system is used by 49 states, D. Of the 1. Designed to provide relief to incarcerated individuals facing extraordinary circumstances, it offers a means for humanity to intersect with justice. In response to Blake in 2021, strike teams were initiated to address the decision's impact on records, prison operations, and release planning. [2021 c 263 s 10; 2010 c 263 s 9. 885 (3) provides that the prosecuting attorney shall make reasonable efforts to notify victims, survivors of victims, witnesses, and the law enforcement agency or agencies that conducted the Washington provides compassionate release to eligible incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions or terminal illnesses under its Extraordinary Medical Placement program. RCW 9. Text 202-990-2500 now. Department forms are designed to be completed and/or downloaded in their native formatting. Compassionate Release Laws By State: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Intent—2002 c 50: "The legislature has determined in RCW 9. Blake decision. If a judge finds that these factors outweigh the importance of continued imprisonment Rivers Release LLC- Providing mobile in home pet euthanasia services to the Skagit Valley, Camano Island, Stanwood, WA. As a result, the number and proportion of people serving long or life sentences grew dramatically. Nov 7, 2022 · Megan Horner, former intern with the Commission on Law and Aging discusses compassionate release programs that are designed to release prisoners with terminal illnesses or those who are extremely advanced in age. Jul 24, 2024 · Avenues for early release, such as clemency or compassionate release, have been around for hundreds of years. Compassionate Release Under The First Step Act The First Step Act made important changes to how federal compassionate release works. These laws aim to balance public safety with humanitarian considerations, reflecting an evolving approach to criminal justice and prison management. Yet, state compassionate release policies have not seen the same movement even though state prisons are where the vast majority of people are incarcerated and most people in the United States support some form of second-chance policy in criminal sentencing. ) (1) The judicial officer in any felony, misdemeanor, or gross misdemeanor case may at any time amend the order to impose additional or different conditions of release. Jul 26, 2021 · Who Qualifies for Compassionate Release? Compassionate release is available to inmates in 49 states ― including ― Ohio and the District of Columbia. 3582 or 4205(g). This provision addresses situations where an inmate’s circumstances have fundamentally While some legal scholars have examined the pandemic’s impact on courts’ compassionate release decisions, this Comment is the first to address a split among district court judges on how to interpret the relevant compassionate release statute’s exhaustion requirement. To the extent you have medical records or additional medical information that support your motion for compassionate release, please attach those records or that information to this document. These illnesses can This page contains our frequently asked questions about compassionate release. The earned early release time shall be for good behavior and good performance as determined by the correctional agency having jurisdiction. For example, to be eligible, the applicant’s medical condition must be so serious that it is costly. Oct 7, 2024 · Compassionate release from a federal prison is a mechanism that allows inmates to be released early for extraordinary and compelling reasons. This webpage represents a master list of currently available programs. Nearly every state has a policy allowing for people with certain serious medical conditions to be eligible for parole, known colloquially as medical parole. Dec 11, 2020 · Updated September 27, 2021 – The Compilation has been updated to include cases involving inmates that have already been vaccinated or refuse to get vaccinated and cases where an inmate has been granted compassionate release while on home confinement. 30 The laws generally authorize the state’s parole board and/or department of corrections to release people who meet certain aging or medical criteria earlier than their statutory release dates or ordinary parole eligibility date. § 3582, it empowers a sentencing court to modify a term of imprisonment. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS GUIDANCE The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Clinical Guidance on Compassionate Release Criteria for Elderly Inmates with Medical Conditions provides updated guidance to BOP staff for review of inmate requests under the Program Statement, Compassionate Release/Reduction in Sentence: Procedures for Implementation of 18 U. Any program established pursuant to this section shall allow an offender to earn early release credits for presentence incarceration. 2 million people incarcerated in the United States, almost 90% of these individuals are incarcerated in the states. Release dates for individuals received from another state agency, county, tribal, or federal jurisdiction will be determined by the sending jurisdiction. . The Commission heard testimony and received public comment concerning the inefficiencies that exist within the Bureau of Prisons’ administrative review of compassionate release applications, which can delay or deny release, even in cases where the applicant appears to meet the criteria for eligibility. These individuals are eligible to be evaluated for release. Explore compassionate release from prison: eligibility, filing process, & benefits under new laws like the 2023 65% rule & 18 USC 3582. However, because the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) seldom The Resentencing team first came out of the State v. Rodriguez, 411 U. This greatly expanded the opportunities for compassionate release. This report provides an analysis of the compassionate release motions filed with the courts during the COVID-19 pandemic. FAMM worked alongside our state partners this session to advance several key bills, including second look, compassionate release, prison oversight, and parole reform. 010 and in the Washington State Constitution, Article I, Section 35. Dec 26, 2024 · Explore the compassionate release process in California, including eligibility criteria and legal considerations for offenders seeking early release. 10. Getting a compassionate release is not easy. rganized around multiple themes including profes Jul 24, 2024 · Avenues for early release, such as clemency or compassionate release, have been around for hundreds of years. 475, 489-90 (1973). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Washington State’s incarceration rate more than doubled in recent decades, largely as the result of harsh new sentencing laws that sent more people to prison, often for many decades. In 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed a law Compassionate release for funerals allows inmates to leave custody temporarily for bereavement. Learn how inmates & families can petition for early release due to extraordinary circumstances. WASHINGTON – FAMM has released 51 updated state compassionate release memos to educate stakeholders about prison early release policies and programs in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. 69. Evans, About Time: How Long and Life Sentences Fuel Mass Incarceration in Washington State (ACLU of Washington, 2020) (attributing most of Washington’s prison growth from the 1990s forward to the state’s three-strikes law Jan 16, 2023 · In the 1980s, Congress introduced compassionate release to counteract the increased rigidity of our federal sentencing system. S Dec 1, 2022 · Abstract: In the 1980s, Congress introduced compassionate release to counteract the increased rigidity of our federal sentencing system. Feb 1, 2022 · The Defender Team filed a second motion for compassionate release requesting early release so that the client can help care for his children. A petition for early release is reviewed by the Looking for info about compassionate release federal prison? We have answers to your questions about the compassionate release process. In a release order issued under RCW 10. 9 hours ago · CDRC requests compassionate release for Madera County 'sadistic pedophile'Benson Boone canceled his show at the Utilita Arena Birmingham in England an hour before his concert due to vocal issues Mar 26, 2020 · The inmate’s [compassionate release] request shall at a minimum contain the following information: (1) The extraordinary or compelling circumstances that the inmate believes warrant consideration. Compassionate release policies offering early release or parole to seriously ill incarcerated patients are underutilized and should be advocated for. 2 Empowers federal courts to grant compassionate release motions filed by the BOP if releasing the prisoner is consistent with the purposes of punishment (e. 1 In addition, the Governor has the authority to grant Extraordinary Release to incarcerated individuals with serious health problems. 005 ). Mar 24, 2020 · A judge on Tuesday asked for more medical evidence before determining whether federal fraud convict Jack Holden, 79, should be considered for compassionate release during the coronavirus pandemic. Rather, it is the mechanism by which a state prisoner may challenge the constitutionality of his conviction or sentence. ” Governed by federal law, specifically 18 U. The report takes a deep dive into the regulations and requirements of these programs in each state, including the varying categories of Crafting Compassionate Release Programs That Work Nearly every state compassionate release program, with a couple of notable exceptions, could benefit from a thorough overhaul. But interest in second look legislation has grown over the past five years, according to Maria Goellner, the director of state policy at Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a nonpartisan criminal justice advocacy organization known as Washington’s Extraordinary Medical Placement earns only middling marks for eligibility criteria. Oct 20, 2023 · Learn about compassionate release for state and federal prisoners, its eligibility criteria and its role in rehabilitation and justice reform. In most democrac countries, sentences longer than ten years remain quite rare, but in Washington Jun 20, 2022 · The only avenue for those left languishing in America’s prisons is back-end relief such as clemency and compassionate release. 7 FAMM’S VALUES We hear from prisoners and families about the trauma, pain, and frustration they endure going through the compassionate release Washington Court Discusses Compassionate Release During the COVID-19 Pandemic In some cases in which a defendant is sentenced to imprisonment, he or she may be able to obtain a reduced sentence or compassionate release. G’s rehabilitation in prison, Judge Settle granted the motion. PDF RCW 10. As a result, the number and proporon of people serving long or life sentences grew dramacally. is report aims to nally make sense of it all. Attorney Tom Church has compiled a list of Compassionate Release grants and some of the key […] 1. Laws Governing Early Release The legal framework for early release from jail varies across jurisdictions, encompassing parole, probation, and compassionate release. Feb 19, 2025 · Compassionate release programs offer people serving long-term sentences the chance at freedom. Yet how this area of our justice system works—or doesn’t—is unclear. The Department of Corrections (DOC) provides medically necessary health and mental health care to those incarcerated in DOC facilities, which includes all prisons. Dec 2, 2024 · Washington's argument misunderstands the compassionate-release statute. These pro bono projects rec t and train attorneys to file compassionate release motion 5 See Pub. the compassionate release of federal defendants. May 16, 2025 · James Havens, who killed his wife nearly 20 years ago and is now medically frail, has been denied compassionate release despite meeting Oklahoma’s criteria, prompting his daughters to call for New Data Show Washington Students Continue to Outperform Their Peers Across the Country in College Readiness Assessments State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on the U. This mechanism allowed courts, through a motion filed by the Bureau of Prison’s director, to reduce a prisoner’s sentence if “extraordinary and compelling” circumstances warrant such a reduction. NACDL’s Return to Freedom Project partners with organizations to recruit, train, and support pro bono volunteers seeking compassionate release for vulnerable people and those serving overly harsh sentences. WASHINGTON – In an effort to save as many lives as possible during the coronavirus pandemic, The Compassionate Release Clearinghouse launched an emergency release initiative that is designed to match qualified individuals in federal prisons who are applying for compassionate release with free legal counsel. and the federal government. 070 Release order — Requirements. Jan 11, 2024 · December 2023In Washington, a person who was under the age of 18 at the time of an offense and was prosecuted and sentenced as an adult may petition for early release from prison after serving 20 years of a felony sentence for most felony crimes (sentences for aggravated first-degree murder and certain sex offenses have different rules). It allows for the early release of an inmate who is suffering from a terminal illness, old age, sickness, debilitation, or extreme family circumstances. Completing the forms electronically helps preserve formatting, data entry fields and other essential features. Department of Education’s Layoffs of Staff that Support Vulnerable Students and Families Compassionate release is generally understood as a mecha- nism by which a court grants early release from prison to sick or elderly incarcerated individuals. NACDL’s Return to Freedom Project (R2F) helps those languishing in prison by partnering with different organizations to recruit, train, and support pro bono volunteers on clemency, compassionate release, and 6 THIS REPORT State compassionate release programs make sense for many reasons. See Preiser v. WASHINGTON – Today, FAMM has released a compassionate release report, including report cards for every state, grading compassionate release programs designed for incarcerated people struggling with certain extraordinary circumstances, such as a terminal or age-related illness. 728 (2) that the department of corrections may transfer offenders to community custody status in lieu of earned release time in accordance with a program developed by the department of corrections. In most democratic countries, sentences longer than ten years remain quite rare, but in Virginia currently has the second-most restrictive compassionate release policies for prisoners with terminal illness of any state in the country and is the only state that doesn’t allow for early release of inmates who are permanently incapacitated or have other complex health issues, according to a 2018 report by state auditors. Jan 17, 2019 · The public will be protected from undue risk by careful review of each compassionate release request. No. Apr 5, 2023 · The U. But how does compassionate release work, who qualifies, and what challenges accompany We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. How Florida is Handling Compassionate Release Florida’ state regulations for compassionate release are among some of the most stringent. Finding that there were extraordinary and compelling circumstances, and noting Mr. First, a judge can grant an inmate compassionate release to a hospital or long-term care nursing facility if the inmate (1) is seriously ill; (2) is expected to live for less than one year; and (3) needs medical treatment that can be better provided at an outside facility. 030 Conditions of release — Judicial officer may amend order. It changes and expands the compassionate release eligibility criteria; ensures the prisoners have the right to appeal the BOP’s denial or neglect of the prisoner’s request for a compassionate release directly to court; and provides other important features N early every state has some form of compassionate release policy. Forms are official Department documents. Arguments for the expansion of compassionate release programs generally address the benefit to terminally ill prisoners as well as cost savings to the state. Aug 31, 2025 · What is Compassionate Release Compassionate release is a legal provision allowing for the reduction of a federal prison sentence due to “extraordinary and compelling reasons. 3582, including eligibility, legal standards, and the process for seeking compassionate release. 10. In 2022, over 186,000 people incarcerated in state and federal prisons were 55 or older, five times the number three decades ago, according to a study by the U. The Clearinghouse identifies those with grounds for compassionate release and connects them with pro bono counsel. Only the BOP can bring a motion in court for a prisoner’s compassionate release, and first there must be a multi-leveled review process. (Effective January 1, 2029. Jan 6, 2025 · The December newsletter included an article about LifeWise of Washington compliance with WA SB 6228. May 8, 2024 · The 2024 Washington Legislature convened a short session that ended March 7, 2024. The Legislature provided funding to process court orders, provide housing vouchers and immediate release resources, and staff to assist with transitional planning and resource Sep 13, 2023 · Compassionate release allows sick inmates to be released from prison early if certain requirements are met. 1837, 1998-1999 (1984). , 20005 In Washington state, certain rights are afforded victims and survivors of victims. Compassionate release court documents filed by the Federal Public Defender of the Western District of Washington between April 1st, 2020, and April 1st, 2021 (n=63) were qualitatively analyzed using content and thematic analysis. org FAMM releases national poll results, compassionate release report cards for all 50 states and D. Visit our website to learn more about applying for compassionate release. Learn about federal compassionate release here. Compassionate release-early release from prison based on a serious or terminal medical condition-is the only early release mechanism available in nearly every state. Below is a list of available 0, NACDL and our partners have managed the Federal Compassionate Release Clearinghouse, the Excessive Sentence Project, and the Cannabis Justice Initiative. Staeheli PDF A Call to Abolish Determinate-Plus Sentencing in Washington Rachel Stenberg PDF Expanding Judicial Discretion to Grant Compassionate Release During COVID-19 Deborah Wang Jan 10, 2021 · Nearly 200 inmates convicted of federal crimes in Western Washington have sought compassionate release from their sentences because of their age or a health condition that puts them at particular Nationwide, competent federal compassionate release lawyers. Feb 3, 2025 · Understanding how to file a motion for early release is essential to improving your chances of success. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the amended compassionate release statute probably saved the lives of many vulnerable inmates that judges saw fit to release. Requests to release to another state will be processed per DOC 380. Dec 10, 2019 · “Sick and dying prisoners for years were unjustly denied release on compassionate release grounds by the Bureau of Prisons,” said Jonathan Smith, executive director of the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. In Pennsylvania, compassionate release eligibility under state law is rare and the process by which it must Compassionate release can be allowed under two circumstances. Legislators introduced and considered numerous bills with the potential to impact resentencing pathways, early release through the Clemency & Pardons Board or the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board, and for support at reentry. 77. The Department of Corrections (DOC) provides many agency and volunteer operated programs to incarcerated individuals and supervisees in order to constructively occupy incarcerated individuals time, as well as provide opportunities for positive personal growth. We’ve updated the article to provide further clarity around the prior authorization requirements and reimbursement for opioid reversal medication and long-acting injectable buprenorphine, including both the administration and medication. This information sheet describes the legal basis, process, and requirements of these early release options. ). Get expert tips on preparing a successful request, including sample letters to judges. ay1zi7mk 6v ssj9n xf fk tapsh5i ghugx twqplg m4f kmhw