Key Dates and Deadlines for Amendment 821 Retroactivity

Contents

1 Key Dates and Deadlines for Amendment 821 Retroactivity

Key Dates and Deadlines for Amendment 821 Retroactivity

The recent passage of Amendment 821 by the U.S. Sentencing Commission has big implications for folks facing federal charges or already serving federal prison sentences. This amendment, which goes into effect February 1st, 2024, adjusts how criminal history points are calculated and rewards cooperation with authorities in new ways. The changes can really impact sentencing for healthcare workers and others embroiled in federal cases. Let’s break down exactly what Amendment 821 means and key dates to know.

What is Amendment 821?

Amendment 821 amends the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines around a few key areas:

Reduces sentence length recommendations for certain drug offenses
Changes how criminal history points are calculated, which could reduce sentences
Expands criteria for judges to go below mandatory minimums
Rewards cooperating with authorities in new ways

This amendment passed August 31st, 2023 with some sections retroactive starting February 1st, 2024. The U.S. Sentencing Commission said the changes could allow around 550 federal prisoners to seek reduced sentences right away, with many more able to seek reductions over time. This is a big deal!

Who Can Benefit from Amendment 821?

The folks who stand to gain the most from Amendment 821 are:

People facing federal drug charges
People with past non-violent convictions now counted less severely
People cooperating with authorities against bigger fish
People already serving federal prison sentences if they meet criteria

This includes physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare workers embroiled in “pill mill” investigations or facing federal drug distribution charges. Even folks already convicted and imprisoned may be able to get their sentences reduced starting February 1st, 2024.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Here are some key Amendment 821 dates to know:

August 31st, 2023 – Amendment 821 passed by U.S. Sentencing Commission
February 1st, 2024 – Parts A and B retroactively take effect, prisoners can apply for reductions
November 1st, 2023 – Non-retroactive parts take effect for new cases
One year from sentencing – Deadline for prisoners sentenced under old guidelines to apply for reduction

Prisoners have just one year from their sentencing date to apply for a sentence reduction under Amendment 821. For anyone newly sentenced after November 1st, 2023, the new guidelines apply immediately. But for those already serving federal time, February 1st is the big date when retroactive portions kick in.

  
 Christine Twomey 
2024-03-21
Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.
  
 Brendan huisman 
2024-03-18
Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!
  
 Guerline Menard 
2024-03-18
Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️
  
 Keisha Parris 
2024-03-15
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
  
 Taïko Beauty 
2024-03-15
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.

Thank you team!
  
 Anthony Williams 
2024-03-12
Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.
  
 Loveth Okpedo 
2024-03-12
Very professional, very transparent,  over all a great experience
  
 Bee L 
2024-02-28
Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.
  
 divesh patel 
2024-02-24
I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way.

Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me.

I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence.

Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.
Load more
 Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews 

How Much Could Sentences Be Reduced?

The sentence reduction for any prisoner will depend on individual circumstances. But according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the average decrease is around 17% or 29 months. For drug offenses, the reduction is estimated to be 25% or 50 months on average!

Even a 17% decrease in prison time is substantial. The expanded rewards for cooperating with authorities against bigger players could also shave years off sentences. This is why Amendment 821 is so monumental.

What Should You Do Now?

If you or a loved one is facing federal charges, be sure to discuss Amendment 821 with your defense lawyer. This could really impact the strategy and outcome of your case, especially for drug offenses. Don’t leave sentence reductions on the table!

If currently serving a federal sentence, connect with a post-conviction relief attorney ASAP to see if you qualify for a reduction. You generally need to apply within one year of sentencing, so February 1st, 2024 will kick off a flurry of filings.

The attorneys at Chapman Law Group stay on top of changes like Amendment 821 that can make a difference. Call them today for a free case review. Don’t wait, federal cases often move quickly, and you need advice from a top white collar criminal defense lawyer from the start. Chapman Law Group has helped many healthcare professionals fight federal charges and get sentences reduced.

With Amendment 821 now passed, you have more options than ever before. But you need to understand the details and act quickly. Call Chapman Law Group now to see if you can get your federal sentence reduced under this new guideline.