Jun 4, 2025

First Step Act Changes Federal Sentencing

If you have received a target letter, or federal authorities have come to your doorstep alleging you broke the law, you should hire an experienced New York criminal lawyer – ASAP. You don’t really have a choice – you need an attorney. The federal government, doesn’t play fair. They have unlimited resources. They have a 95% conviction rate. Without proper representation, you’re likely to become part of that statistic.

You’re facing 10-20 years. That’s not speculation. That’s the sentencing guideline for your charge. You think this is like state court. It’s not. Todd Spodek – a prominent attorney, represented Anna Delvey, known as Anna Sorokin, in one of the most high-profile federal cases in recent memory. Todd is a second-generation attorney who has represented many clients. His experience has led to him handling thousands of tough cases. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets, like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others.

Every day you wait is a day the government builds their case against you. Federal investigations are methodical, thorough — and designed to convict you. The federal conviction rate is over 95%. Only 0.4% of federal defendants who go to trial are acquitted. Those aren’t good odds without the right attorney.

You’re researching lawyers online instead of calling one. Every hour matters in federal cases. Federal investigations move fast. By the time you receive a target letter, they’ve been investigating for months. You don’t understand federal sentencing guidelines. You don’t know mandatory minimums. This knowledge gap will hurt you. You need an attorney who has won federal cases. Not state cases. Federal cases. There’s a difference. Most people in your situation try to explain their way out. That’s how they end up convicted.

Every hour you spend researching online is an hour you’re not building your defense. Federal prosecutors — and the DOJ — are watching. They’re building their case while you’re reading this.

The First Step Act: What You Need to Know When Your Freedom is On the Line

The First Step Act was signed into law on December 21, 2018 — and it’s one of the most significant federal criminal justice reforms in decades. But here’s the thing: if you don’t have a premier criminal defense attorney who understands every aspect of this law, you won’t benefit from it. At Spodek Law Group, we’re one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal – which means we can help you nationwide, coast to coast, 24/7.

The Act made major changes to federal sentencing that could mean the difference between 20 years in prison—or getting out in 10. These aren’t small changes. They’re life-changing provisions that a top rated federal criminal defense attorney can use to fight for your freedom. Todd Spodek, our managing partner – a second-generation attorney who has represented many clients – understands these changes inside and out. In 2022, Netflix released a special TV series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey.

Here’s what prosecutors won’t tell you: the First Step Act created opportunities for sentence reductions that didn’t exist before. Recent data shows individuals released under the First Step Act served 82.1% of their sentences, compared to 89.7% before the law. That’s real time with your family instead of behind bars.

Retroactive Application of the Fair Sentencing Act: A Game Changer

One of the most significant changes in the First Step Act is making the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactive. We’ve argued successfully for many clients using this provision. What does this mean for you? If you’re facing drug charges – especially crack cocaine charges – the sentencing disparities that destroyed lives for decades have been reduced. The old 100:1 crack-to-powder cocaine disparity is gone. Now it’s 18:1. Over 4,000 people had their sentences reduced because of this change. That could be you — but only if you have the right attorney.

Mandatory Minimum Reforms: Your Sentence Could Be Cut By Years

The First Step Act changed mandatory minimums for drug offenders with prior convictions. Let me be clear: these changes are massive. The 20-year mandatory minimum (where you have one prior qualifying conviction) dropped to 15 years. The life-in-prison mandatory minimum (where you have two or more prior qualifying convictions) dropped to 25 years. If you’re facing federal drug charges with prior convictions, this could save you 5 years, 10 years — or literally save your life.

Safety Valve Expansion: Avoiding Mandatory Minimums

The First Step Act expanded the “safety valve” provision, giving judges more discretion to sentence below mandatory minimums. This affects approximately 1,400 people per year. But qualifying is complex. You need attorneys who understand every requirement, every exception, every strategy to maximize your chances.

Earned Time Credits: Get Out Sooner With the Right Strategy

Under the First Step Act, eligible inmates can earn time credits for participating in recidivism reduction programs. This isn’t just a minor benefit — inmates can earn up to 10 days off their sentence for every 30 days of successful program participation. Low-risk prisoners, can earn an additional 5 days. That means potentially cutting years off a federal sentence. But here’s the catch: not everyone qualifies. Certain violent offenses, terrorism, human trafficking, and high-level drug offenses are excluded.

Good Time Credits: Every Day Matters in Federal Prison

The Act expanded good time credits from 47 days to 54 days per year of your sentence. That’s an extra week off every year. On a 10-year sentence? That’s 70 extra days of freedom. These changes applied retroactively — 3,100 people were released early in July 2019 alone because of this provision.

Compassionate Release: When Every Day Counts

The First Step Act revolutionized compassionate release provisions. Before, only the Bureau of Prisons could file these motions – and they rarely did. In 2016, only 3% of applications were granted. Now, defendants can petition the court directly after 30 days. During COVID-19, over 2,600 people were released using this provision.

But prosecutors fight these reductions every step of the way. They’ll argue you don’t qualify. They’ll claim the provisions don’t apply to your case. That’s why you need attorneys who know how to fight back. We’ve argued these issues in federal courts nationwide – coast to coast.

What the Government Doesn’t Want You to Know About Federal Sentencing

If you’re reading this article about the First Step Act, you’re probably terrified – and you should be. You’re facing years, maybe decades in federal prison. The federal government has virtually unlimited resources, and they’re coming after you. That’s where we come in. At Spodek Law Group – we’re not your average criminal defense law firm – we get it. Our team of federal criminal attorneys know a thing or two about using the First Step Act to help clients facing federal charges. We have over 50 years of combined experience. We have handled some of the toughest cases nationwide – and have come out on top.

Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors and judges, Spodek Law Group owes loyalty to only YOU. We are focused on our clients and getting them the best outcome possible. Many law firms are ‘mills’ and take on every single client — we don’t. Our criminal lawyers are selective about the numbers of clients we onboard every month. We only work with clients we truly believe we can help.

At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. Our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case. Our premier white-glove service means we’re available 24/7. When federal agents come knocking at 6 AM – and they will – you need attorneys who answer the phone.

Our team of lawyers has handled complex federal cases. Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors, we focus on YOU.

Why Spodek Law Group is Different – And Why It Matters for Your Case

When you’re facing federal charges under the new First Step Act provisions, you can’t afford to wait. You need a NYC Criminal Lawyer NOW. Our NYC criminal attorneys are available to take and respond to your phone call, and answer your questions. We offer:

• Free consultation – risk-free, no obligations
• 24/7 availability – because federal agents don’t work 9-5
• Nationwide representation – we handle cases coast to coast
• 50 years combined experience – we’ve seen it all
• White-glove service – you’re not just another case number
• Payment plans available – don’t let money stop you from getting the best defense

Todd Spodek has been featured on major media outlets like the New York Times, New York Post, USA Today, and more. When you need a rock star team of attorneys — you need Spodek Law Group.

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want. We’re top rated federal criminal defense attorneys.

The Clock is Ticking on Your Federal Case

If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. Your future is in jeopardy. Your family needs you. Your freedom is at stake.

The First Step Act created opportunities for reduced sentences, early release, and alternatives to incarceration — but only if you have attorneys who know how to use these provisions. We’ve handled the toughest cases nationwide. With over 50 years of combined experience, we get it – and we offer a free consultation to discuss your case.

Take Action Now: Your Future Depends on It

Don’t become another statistic in the federal system’s 95% conviction rate. Contact Spodek Law Group for a risk-free consultation today. We understand that federal charges don’t wait. When your freedom is on the line — you need attorneys.

First Step Act Changes Federal Sentencing