Second Look Act: Review and Reduction of Federal Prison Sentences Over 10 Years
This Act allows individuals serving federal prison sentences longer than 10 years to petition a court for a sentence reduction after serving at least 10 years. The goal is to provide a path to early release for those who are no longer a danger to the community and have demonstrated readiness for reentry into society. This legislation applies to all convictions, potentially impacting thousands of incarcerated individuals and their families, while also aiming to reduce the high costs associated with long-term incarceration.
Key points
Incarcerated individuals with sentences over 10 years can apply for a sentence reduction after serving a minimum of 10 years.
The court must find that the defendant is not a danger to the community and shows readiness for reentry, considering factors like age, rehabilitation, and history.
A rebuttable presumption of release exists for defendants aged 50 or older at the time of application.
The law allows for multiple applications for sentence review, with specific waiting periods (5 years after the first denial, 2 years after the second).
Victims of the offense have the right to present statements during the review process, and released individuals will be subject to supervised release.
The provisions apply to all convictions, regardless of whether they occurred before, on, or after the Act's enactment date.
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