Facing time in federal prison—or watching a loved one struggle behind bars—can feel like there’s no way out. But under the Compassionate Release Act (18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)), inmates with extraordinary and compelling circumstances do have a legal pathway to reduce their sentence or even return home early.
At National Security Law Firm, our attorneys know how to fight these cases. We have the insider knowledge, federal courtroom experience, and relentless advocacy it takes to give clients the best possible chance at release.
What Is the Compassionate Release Act?
The Compassionate Release Act allows federal judges to reduce a prisoner’s sentence if unusual circumstances justify early release. Examples include:
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Serious medical conditions such as terminal illness or debilitating disease.
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Advanced age and deteriorating health after serving much of a sentence.
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Family emergencies, such as the death or incapacitation of a caregiver for an inmate’s children.
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Extraordinary situations like grossly excessive sentences under outdated laws.
Before the First Step Act of 2018, only the Bureau of Prisons could file a request for compassionate release—and they rarely did. Now, inmates can file directly with the court after first submitting a request to the prison warden. This change has made compassionate release a real, viable option for thousands of federal prisoners.
Why You Need a Compassionate Release Act Attorney
The law may have opened the door, but walking through it is not easy. Most motions for compassionate release are denied because they are:
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Missing the right documentation.
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Filed before exhausting Bureau of Prisons procedures.
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Weakly argued, without a full legal strategy.
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Rejected based on § 3553(a) sentencing factors (deterrence, public safety, respect for law).
An experienced attorney can make all the difference. At NSLF, we:
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Build strong, evidence-backed motions with medical records, expert statements, and release plans.
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Anticipate and counter the government’s arguments.
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Present persuasive legal and human arguments that resonate with federal judges.
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Navigate the procedural hurdles to ensure motions aren’t thrown out on technicalities.
Our Pricing & Financing
We believe in transparent pricing so you know what to expect:
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Written Motion (most common): $5,000
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Virtual Hearing Appearance (if required): + $5,000
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In-Person Court Hearing: $7,500 + travel expenses
💡 In many cases, judges decide compassionate release motions on the written filings alone, meaning most matters are resolved at the $5,000 level.
We also offer flexible legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm, giving you the ability to spread payments over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months.
Why Choose National Security Law Firm?
Not all law firms are equipped to handle compassionate release. At NSLF, our team is uniquely qualified:
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Insider Advantage: Our attorneys are former federal prosecutors, U.S. attorneys, Army JAG officers, and government advisors who know how the system works from the inside.
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Proven Track Record: We have secured life-changing results for clients across the country.
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Nationwide Representation: We handle compassionate release cases in federal courts nationwide.
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Elite Teamwork: Our attorneys collaborate through our internal “Attorney Review Board” to bring the full strength of our experience to every case.
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Client Trust: We’re proud to maintain a 4.9-star rating on Google from clients who trusted us with the most important battles of their lives.
Want the Full Picture? Read Our Comprehensive Guide
If you’d like a deep dive into the Compassionate Release Act, we’ve created a complete guide that walks through every step of the process:
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The statutory framework under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)
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What counts as “extraordinary and compelling” reasons
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The role of the Bureau of Prisons and the First Step Act
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Step-by-step procedures for filing a motion
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Common obstacles and reasons for denial
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Real-world examples and recent trends
📖 Read it here: Complete Guide to Compassionate Release in Federal Court
This guide is a valuable resource for families and inmates considering compassionate release. If you’re ready to take action, our attorneys can take that knowledge and build the strongest possible case for you.
Need More Strategies to Beat Federal Charges?
If you or a loved one is facing a federal investigation or indictment, don’t stop here—this is just the beginning. At National Security Law Firm, we’ve built the most comprehensive federal defense library on the internet:
- 💰 Transparent Pricing – Know what federal representation really costs before you hire.
- ⚔️ Defense Playbooks – Step-by-step strategies on how to get federal charges dismissed, reduced, or beaten at trial.
- 🕵️ Charge-Specific Guides – From wire fraud to drug conspiracy, see exactly how prosecutors build cases—and how we tear them down.
- 📅 Procedural Roadmaps – Learn what to expect at every stage: indictments, bail hearings, sentencing, probation, and appeals.
👉 Explore our complete Federal Criminal Defense Hub here:
Nationwide Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers – NSLF
This library is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a head start in the fight of your life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Every day matters in these cases. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success. Whether you are seeking release for yourself or a loved one, our attorneys are ready to fight for you.
💻 Book your free consultation here: Schedule a Consultation
National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You