In partnership with attorneys from Pfizer, Sidley recently secured a pro bono compassionate release win on behalf of a 28-year-old inmate dying of cancer. The case was referred by FAMM and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who provided invaluable support and training.
The defendant was originally sentenced to three years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to a nonviolent offense. While in prison, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and was told by prison doctors he had only months to live. Sidley quickly filed a motion for compassionate release pursuant to the First Step Act, seeking his early release. Three days after the motion was filed, Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted the motion in its entirety and reduced the term of imprisonment to time served, with supervised release. The client will now be able to spend some time with his seven-year-old son and live out his remaining days in the care and comfort of his family.
The Sidley team was led by Chicago partner Elizabeth Chiarello and included Washington, D.C. managing associate Michael Ogershok.
The defendant was originally sentenced to three years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to a nonviolent offense. While in prison, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and was told by prison doctors he had only months to live. Sidley quickly filed a motion for compassionate release pursuant to the First Step Act, seeking his early release. Three days after the motion was filed, Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted the motion in its entirety and reduced the term of imprisonment to time served, with supervised release. The client will now be able to spend some time with his seven-year-old son and live out his remaining days in the care and comfort of his family.
The Sidley team was led by Chicago partner Elizabeth Chiarello and included Washington, D.C. managing associate Michael Ogershok.