How Does the First Step Act Change My Time in Federal Prison?
Executive Summary: The First Step Act (FSA) fundamentally changes federal sentencing by allowing eligible inmates to earn up to 15 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs. Unlike standard "Good Time" credits, these FSA Earned Time Credits can be applied toward early transfer to pre-release custody (such as a Residential Reentry Center or home confinement) or, in some cases, toward 12 months of supervised release, significantly reducing actual time behind bars.
Understanding Federal Time Credits (FTC)
The most powerful component of the First Step Act is the ability to actively shorten your time in federal custody. Before the FSA, federal inmates could only reduce their sentence by 15% (via Good Conduct Time). Now, through the FSA, you can actively influence your release date.
Participation in productive activities—such as educational courses, faith-based programs, and vocational training—is no longer just about rehabilitation; it is a currency you can use to buy back your time.
Eligibility and The PATTERN Score
Not every inmate automatically qualifies for these credits. Your ability to cash in on the First Step Act depends heavily on your PATTERN score—the DOJ’s risk assessment tool.
Minimum/Low Risk: Inmates with these scores can redeem their earned credits for early transfer to a halfway house or home confinement.
Medium/High Risk: Inmates in these categories can earn credits but cannot redeem them until their risk score is reduced.
Navigating these risk assessments and ensuring you are enrolled in the correct qualifying programs is critical to the successful federal sentence reduction services our clients rely on to return home to their families sooner.
The Difference Between "Good Time" and "Earned Time"
It is vital to distinguish between the two types of time reduction available to you:
Good Conduct Time (GCT): This is the standard "54 days per year" off your sentence for good behavior. It effectively reduces a 10-year sentence to 8.5 years automatically, provided you follow prison rules.
FSA Earned Time Credits: This is additional time off. By stacking FSA credits on top of GCT, many inmates are reducing their custodial sentences by an additional year or more.
How to Maximize Your FSA Credits
To ensure you receive the maximum reduction possible, you must be proactive from Day 1. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is large and bureaucratic; credits are often miscalculated or delayed.
Verify Eligibility Immediately: Ensure your case manager has correctly classified your PATTERN score.
Enroll Early: Waitlists for EBRR programs can be long. Immediate enrollment upon arrival is essential.
Monitor Your Sheets: Regularly review your time computation sheets to ensure every hour of programming is being credited toward your release date.
Conclusion
The First Step Act has shifted the power dynamic, giving you a mechanism to earn your way home. However, the system does not work automatically. It requires a strategic approach to program selection, risk assessment management, and persistent advocacy to ensure the BOP applies the law correctly to your specific case.
