I’ve been in federal custody for 33 months, and it’s been quite the experience. Last week I received confirmation that my halfway house/home confinement date is February 3, 2026 (less than 6 months away). This news was beyond exciting, and I couldn’t wait to email my family. When I logged into the inmates’ email system, I saw an unread message from my attorney: “The court finally issued its decision and it granted the motion,” she wrote. Upon reading this line, my heart leaped and every atom in my body seemed to vibrate in glee. Over a year ago, I requested a reduction in sentence since the guidelines that judges use to impose timeframes changed for first-time, nonviolent offenders (aka me). While hope of being granted the reduction seemed extremely slim, Judge Chutkan granted an 8-month sentence reduction (more than 10% of my sentence) to reward my rehabilitative efforts! 8 MONTHS!!! My new sentence would be 70 months! WOW – a miracle, I could not believe this great news! 8 months is quite significant, especially while incarcerated. Earlier this month, my attorney filed a follow-up statement to my initial motion as a “judge nudge” (my term) and to inform the court of my dad’s failing health and impending transition from palliative care to hospice in hope that I could be released to home confinement sooner.
What does an 8-month reduction do in my situation? Over these past 33 months, I have earned time credits from the various federal laws, so my final release date is November 1, 2026! Incredible, considering my date was originally in 2029! I shared this news with prison administrators, who are currently reviewing my case for earlier consideration of home confinement. On paper, I have earned 6 months of home confinement through a law called the Second Chance Act and have earned another roughly 6 more months of home confinement through the First Step Act – a year of home confinement! The prison administrators may choose to keep the approved February 3, 2026 date for my release from prison to home confinement…or they MAY choose to recommend me for an earlier release from prison date to complete home confinement. I certainly hope they decide on the latter 🙂 Regardless of their decision, I have 10% less time to serve in any sort of custody due to the merciful and compassionate decision from Judge Chutkan!
Over the last few weeks, I had alluded to some good news, which really involved the Bureau of Prisons’ re-calculation of time credits, since there appeared to be a glitch in their system that provided less credits. I was hoping to report that the re-calculation was fixed. Then, the unexpected great news of actually having my sentence reduced! After receiving all this confirmation, I was so alive and energized that I could not sleep that night. I laid awake in prayer of gratitude and became lost in thoughts of transitioning from prison back to home! I am nearing a 3-year-tour throughout the federal prison, and I could not have been successful throughout this experience without the unconditional love, ongoing support, and continuous encouragement! The reduction in my sentence may have been granted by the court due to my rehabilitative efforts, but those efforts were solely successful because of YOU! My heart is forever indebted and grateful to you! Have a wonderful summer week and continue to be mindful of any little miracle in your life 🙂