Background

(When my husband Michael, surrendered to the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth on December 30, 2024, we were overwhelmed by the complexities of federal sentencing timelines. With a sentence of 27 months and no prior offenses, he quickly immersed himself in educational programs and took on teaching responsibilities, hoping to expedite his release under the provisions of the First Step Act (FSA) and Second Chance Act (SCA).

Today, I’m sharing what we’ve learned about Michael’s projected sentence timeline and how recent changes in Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies could affect not only him but thousands of other inmates and their families. If you or someone you love is navigating the federal prison system, this article is for you.)

Michael’s Sentence and Early Release Opportunities

The 27-Month Sentence

Michael’s sentencing began in December 2024 after being charged for a crime he didn't commit and having no history of violence or prior offenses. His diabetes led to his classification as a health risk (Level 3), which placed him in a medical center rather than a federal camp.

Despite these hurdles, Michael’s focus has been unwavering. He’s enrolled in educational and rehabilitative programs and started teaching classes. Under the FSA, these efforts are not just acts of personal growth but also strategic moves that may significantly reduce his time in federal custody.

Breaking Down Sentence Adjustments

Several mechanisms can reduce an inmate’s sentence length under federal laws like the FSA and the SCA. Michael’s release date is calculated based on these important factors:

1. Good Conduct Time (GCT)

The FSA allows inmates to earn up to 54 days of Good Conduct Time per year of their sentence. For a 27-month sentence, that works out to about 121.5 days (4 months) off.

• New Sentence After GCT: Michael’s 27-month sentence will be reduced to roughly 23 months.

2. Earned Time Credits (ETCs)

The FSA also incentivizes inmates to engage in qualifying programs and activities by awarding them ETCs.

• ETC Accrual Rate: Michael, classified as low-risk for recidivism, can earn 15 days of ETCs for every 30 days of participation in programs or work.
• ETCs Earned:
  • Over 23 months (690 days), Michael could earn 345 days (11.5 months) of ETCs.
• New Timeline: Applying these ETCs reduces his remaining sentence to just 11.5 months.

3. Home Confinement

Under the SCA, inmates may qualify for home confinement toward the end of their sentence. However, this is capped at 10% of the sentence or 6 months, whichever is less. For Michael’s 27-month sentence, the maximum home confinement period is 2.7 months (approximately 81 days).

Projected Release Timeline

Here’s what this means for Michael:

1. Initial Sentence: 27 months.
2. Minus GCT: Reduces to 23 months.
3. Minus ETCs: Further reduces to 11.5 months.
4. Home Confinement: Eligible for release into home confinement after 8.8 months in custody, around September 2025.
5. Final Release: If home confinement is granted, Michael would complete his sentence at home, with his final release projected by December 2025.

Recent Policy Changes Affecting Release

On June 17, 2025, the Bureau of Prisons issued a directive aimed at fully implementing the First Step Act and Second Chance Act. This directive clarifies and reinforces several policies that could directly impact inmates like Michael.

Key Policy Updates

1. Stackable Credits: The directive emphasizes that FSA Earned Time Credits and SCA eligibility are treated as cumulative. This means that inmates can use these credits together to maximize their opportunities for early release, especially for home confinement.
2. Conditional Placement Dates: Prerelease custody referrals will now be guided by projected Earned Time Credits and statutory timelines. This change aims to eliminate delays and ensure timely transitions for inmates.
3. No RRC Bed Barriers: Residential Reentry Center (RRC) bed capacity will no longer be a barrier to home confinement. Statutorily eligible inmates should now be referred for home confinement even if halfway houses are at capacity.
4. Focus on Reintegration Readiness: Placement decisions will prioritize an inmate’s readiness for reintegration and stable housing over factors like past employment.

Director William K. Marshall III described these changes as part of a broader effort to ensure public safety, reduce unnecessary incarceration costs, and give inmates second chances.

What It Means for Families

For families navigating sentences under the FSA and SCA, these changes represent a clearer pathway to early release. However, implementation will depend heavily on BOP staff at individual facilities. Families should:

• Ensure the case manager is applying ETCs and GCT correctly.
• Advocate for timely referrals for home confinement or halfway house placement.
• Stay informed about policy updates and work with legal counsel if necessary.

Broader Implications for Other Inmates

Michael’s timeline shows that the FSA and SCA can drastically alter a federal sentence, but it also highlights the complexities involved. Program participation, risk assessments, and staff cooperation all play crucial roles.

Tips for Maximizing Early Release Opportunities

1. Engage Fully in Programs: To earn ETCs, inmates need to actively participate in approved educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs. These credits are key to expediting release.
2. Maintain a Low-Risk Level: Regular risk assessments determine eligibility for maximum ETC accrual. Avoiding disciplinary infractions is essential.
3. Communicate with Case Managers: Case managers are responsible for calculating and applying GCT and ETCs. Clear communication ensures nothing is overlooked in the process.
4. Monitor Changes in Policy: The BOP frequently updates its policies, as seen with the June 2025 directive. Staying informed is crucial to understanding and leveraging new opportunities.
5. Advocate for Home Confinement: Home confinement allows inmates to finish their sentences in a supportive environment. Families can work with attorneys or advocacy groups to push for these placements.

Final Thoughts

Michael’s experience navigating the federal prison system under the First Step Act is a testament to how strategic planning and active participation can create opportunities for early release. The June 2025 Directive strengthens these opportunities by clarifying policies and ensuring fairer treatment for all inmates.

For families like ours, these changes are a glimmer of hope—not just for an earlier reunion but for the chance to rebuild lives after incarceration. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, understanding policies like the FSA and SCA is the first step toward a brighter future.

If you have questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out to me at healthbillionaire33@gmail.com. Together, we can continue to demystify the system and advocate for meaningful reforms.