News
Feb. 27, 2023: USSC written testimony on additional proposed amendments
Defender witnesses submitted written testimony on many additional guideline amendments that are the subject of hearings to be held March 7-8, 2023 before the Sentencing Commission: criminal history, career offender, firearm offenses, circuit splits (acceptance of responsibility and controlled substance offense), legal changes brought by the First Step Act of 2018, and counterfeit pills.
Feb. 15, 2023: USSC written testimony on proposed amendments
Defender witnesses submitted written testimony on three proposed guideline amendments that are the subject of hearings to be held Feb. 23-24 before the Sentencing Commission, regarding compassionate release, sexual abuse of a ward, and acquitted conduct.
Amicus brief filed in the Supreme Court - Dubin v. USA
The National Association of Federal Defenders filed a brief as Amicus Curiae In Support of Petitioner Davis Dubin in Dubin v. United States, 22-10 (Dec. 29, 2022), relating to the federal crime of aggravated identity theft.
Article: Advice to New Commissioners: The U.S. Sentencing Commission Should Address the Failure of the Bureau of Prisons to Adequately Implement Statutes That Reduce Prison Time
The Federal Sentencing Reporter published the attached article written by Steve Sady, Chief Deputy Federal Public Defender, District of Oregon.
Short piece re 2022 recidivism report
The Federal Sentencing Reporter has published Limitations of the Commission’s 'Length of Incarceration and Recidivism' Report (2022), by Allison L. Bruning (SRC) and Tina M. Woehr (SRC) in the October 2022 issue (volume 35, issue 1).
Defender comment on the Commission's proposed priorities
Federal Public and Community Defenders, by Federal Defender Sentencing Guidelines Committee Chair Michael Caruso, commented on the Sentencing Commission's proposed policy priorities.
Amicus brief filed in the Sixth Circuit
The Federal Public and Community Defenders for the Judicial Districts of the Sixth Circuit filed a brief as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner-Appellant Monquel Paulk’s Petition for Rehearing En Banc in United States v. Paulk, 21-2722 (Oct. 12, 2022), regarding the categorical analysis.
Defender remarks for BOP listening session
Federal Public and Community Defenders, by SRC Legislative Lead Patricia Richman, submitted remarks to BOP Director Collette Peters, for the BOP Listening Session.
Defender views on First Step Act implementation
Federal Public and Community Defenders, by SRC Legislative Lead Patricia Richman, submitted views on the DOJ's First Step Act risk assessment tool, PATTERN.
Article re the First Step Act
The Brennan Center for Justice published The First Step Act’s Prison Reforms: Uneven Implementation and the Path Forward, by Ames C. Grawert (Brennan Center) and Patricia L. Richman (SRC).
Defender priorities letter
Federal Public and Community Defenders, by Federal Defender Sentencing Guidelines Committee Chair Michael Caruso, sent our letter to the new Sentencing Commission proposing priorities for the 2022-2023 amendment cycle.
Amicus brief filed in the Supreme Court
The National Association of Federal Defenders filed a brief as Amicus Curiae In Support of Petitioner Marcus Deangelo Jones in Jones v. Hendrix, 21-857 (July 21, 2022), relating to habeas corpus.