Sentencing Advocacy Group · Resource Library
Federal Sentencing
Knowledge Center
Clear guidance for the decisions ahead. Explore Joseph De Gregorio’s resources on sentencing preparation, the presentence report, federal prison and planning for release.
Start with the essential guides
Build your sentencing record
How Sentencing Advocacy Group documents personal history, rehabilitation and supporting evidence.
Read the guide →Prepare for the PSR interview
A practical guide to your presentence interview, with 25 preparation questions.
Read the guide →Understand what judges consider
Explore the role of preparation, rehabilitation and restitution at sentencing.
Read the guide →Prepare for federal prison
Start with surrender, medical records, daily routines and family communication.
Read the guide →Understand First Step Act credits
Learn the distinctions between earned credits, good conduct time and release placement.
Read the guide →Explore RDAP
Review admission, treatment and the separate early-release eligibility process.
Read the guide →After sentencing: choose the right legal question.
Appeals, post-conviction challenges, sentence modifications and BOP release credits address different issues. Start with the relevant guide, then discuss legal eligibility and deadlines with counsel.
Can federal sentences be reduced?
Compare court-authorized reductions, compassionate release, First Step Act credits and RDAP. Includes Joseph’s American Bar Association JustPod interview.
Explore sentence reduction routes →Can you appeal a plea deal after sentencing?
Understand waivers, Rule 11, financial terms and the records appellate counsel needs.
Review plea and appeal questions →Federal habeas corpus and Section 2255
Distinguish a challenge to a conviction or sentence from a custody-calculation dispute.
Explore habeas and post-conviction relief →Appeal a federal prison sentence
Review deadlines, sentencing-error questions, the appellate record and possible outcomes.
Read the sentence appeal guide →Browse by topic
Explore the article library
Browse the resources below, or choose a topic above to narrow your reading.
Federal Prison Designation: Camp Eligibility and BOP Placement
Understand who decides federal prison placement, how the PSR matters, and what to review before requesting a camp designation.
How to Get Out of Federal Prison Early: RDAP, FSA Credits, and Compassionate Release Explained
Early release planning begins with the record: program eligibility, accurate documentation, participation, and a workable plan for returning home.
How to Reduce Your Federal Prison Sentence: Sentencing and Release Options
Understand sentencing mitigation, court sentence modifications, and BOP release planning with Joseph De Gregorio of Sentencing Advocacy Group.