First Step Act Calculator: How Much Time Can I Actually Save?
One of the most frequent questions we receive at Jail Time Consulting is about the First Step Act (FSA). Specifically, people want to know: “Exactly how much time will it take off my sentence?” Unfortunately, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) does not provide a public calculator. Because of this, you must understand the math behind Earned Time Credits (ETCs) to plan for your release.
How the Math Works: The 10 vs. 15 Rule Under the First Step Act, eligible inmates earn credits toward early release. Initially, you will earn 10 days of credit for every 30 days of “productive activities.”
Furthermore, your earning rate increases over time. The BOP will eventually assess you as a “low” or “minimum” recidivism risk. Once you maintain this status for two consecutive assessments, you earn 15 days of credit for every 30 days of programming.
The “Year Off” Cap It is important to note that the law limits how much actual prison time you can save. Specifically, you can shave a maximum of 365 days (1 year) off the prison sentence. However, you may earn more credits than that. In those cases, the BOP applies the extra time toward your halfway house or home confinement.
Who is Eligible? Please keep in mind that not everyone qualifies for these credits. Generally, the law excludes those convicted of violent offenses or sex offenses. Certain public corruption charges are also excluded. Therefore, we recommend a full case analysis to confirm your status.
First Step Act Calculator: Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone get 15 days of credit? No. You must maintain a “Low” or “Minimum” recidivism risk level to earn the higher rate of 15 days per month. Inmates with “Medium” or “High” risk levels only earn 10 days per month.
Can a First Step Act Calculator predict my exact release date? While a First Step Act Calculator provides an estimate, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has the final say. Factors like disciplinary actions or changes in programming can affect your actual release date.
What happens if I earn more than 365 days of credit? The law caps actual prison sentence reduction at 12 months. However, any additional credits you earn are applied toward a “Community Placement,” meaning you could spend more time in a halfway house or on home confinement.