Miami, Florida – In the case of SBF, a federal criminal serving a 25-year sentence, the question arises of how long he will actually spend behind bars. While parole is not an option in federal cases, the possibility of reducing the sentence through good behavior remains open.
According to legal experts, including former federal prosecutors Mitchell Epner and Jordan Estes, SBF could potentially serve as little as 12.5 years if he earns all available jailhouse credit for good behavior. Federal prisoners can typically earn up to 54 days of time credit per year, allowing for a potential 15% reduction in sentence length.
In addition to good behavior credits, the First Step Act of 2018 has provided an avenue for nonviolent federal inmates to potentially reduce their sentences by up to 50%. Originally intended to aid minority offenders convicted of non-violent drug-related crimes, the Act has also benefited white-collar criminal defendants by offering significant sentence reductions.
Furthermore, courts now have the ability to reduce a person’s sentence for extraordinary and compelling reasons, often related to medical circumstances. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased willingness among courts to grant early release under this provision, particularly for individuals who have served a substantial portion of their sentence.
Overall, the length of SBF’s sentence and his potential early release options highlight the complexities of federal sentencing laws and the various factors that can influence the duration of a criminal’s incarceration. As legal experts navigate these regulations, it remains to be seen how SBF’s case will unfold in the coming years.