Commutation of Sentence Program

We explain the whole process to you at each step of the way

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has a program  with procedures and guidelines by which a federally sentenced inmate may file a Petition for Commutation of Sentence in accordance with the proper statutes and laws set forth in 28 C.F.R. Part 1. In a Petition for Commutation of Sentence the inmate may seek four different types of relief. They are:

  1. Reduction in Prison Sentence only; 
  2. Remission of Fine and/or Restitution only; 
  3. Reduction of Prison Sentence and Remission of Fine and/or Restitution; and,
  4. Reduction of a period of probation, supervised release, or special parole.

There is not a defined list of circumstances or conditions which would qualify an inmate for a Commutation of Sentence. Each case is decided on its individual merits. We provide the appropriate forms, research, documentation, and instructions.

Commutation of Sentence Program

It is important to note that the Bureau of Prisons’ staff may not refuse to process an inmate’s Petition even if they feel that the inmate is not eligible.

Additionally, the BOP cannot forward any recommendation, negative or positive, with the Petition of Commutation of Sentence when it is submitted. That way, even if you do not have a good relationship with the Warden or the Unit Team, they cannot negatively affect the process of your submission of the petition.

Almost any crime committed can be commuted.

The following is a breakdown and listing of some of the various crimes that were pardoned or recently commuted. This is not a complete listing and only presents a representative sample of the crimes for which sentence commutations were granted.  

  • Importation of cocaine;
  • Conspiracy to commit money laundering;
  • Income tax evasion;
  • Unlawful distribution of marijuana;
  • Perjury;
  • Securities fraud and mail fraud;
  •  Wire fraud;
  • Bank fraud;
  • Conspiracy to defraud the government;
  • Embezzlement by a bank employee;
  • Distribution of methamphetamine;
  • Racketeering conspiracy, racketeering, and violation of the Hobbs act;
  • Armed bank robbery;
  • Using a firearm during a felony;
  • Medicaid and Medicare fraud;
  • Conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to distribute;
  • Harboring a fugitive;
  • Burglary;
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; 
    Possession of PCP with intent to distribute; 
    Conspiracy to commit kidnapping; 
  • Conspiracy to corruptly solicit and accept money in return for influencing the official acts of a federal district court judge,