Federal Sentence Reduced by 107 Months Following Successful Appeal and Resentencing
Federal criminal cases rarely end with the original sentencing hearing. When legal error occurs, a successful appeal can provide a second opportunity to present the case and seek a just result. That opportunity, however, must be matched with careful preparation and persuasive advocacy at resentencing. On July 31, 2026,...
Eleventh Circuit Vacates John Lee’s 17-Year Sentence
Attorney Michael J. Petro obtained a significant victory in an Eleventh Circuit sentencing appeal for his client, John Lee. On January 6, 2026, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit vacated Lee's 204-month federal...
Earning First Step Act Time Credits
The First Step Act Time Credits program allows eligible federal prisoners to earn credits by participating in qualifying programs and productive activities. Those credits may permit an eligible prisoner to transition from a federal prison to prerelease custody earlier or, in appropriate circumstances, transfer earlier to supervised release.
Federal...
Zero Point Sentencing Amendment Explained
Federal defendants with zero criminal history points may qualify for a two-level reduction in their offense level under USSG §4C1.1, commonly known as the zero-point offender adjustment.
Federal sentencing attorney Michael J. Petro represents...
Federal Compassionate Release Attorney Michael J. Petro
A federal prison sentence does not always have to be served exactly as originally imposed.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A), a federal judge may reduce a term of imprisonment when extraordinary and compelling circumstances justify a...
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Attorney
The United States Sentencing Guidelines play a central role in determining the potential sentence in a federal criminal case. Although the Guidelines are advisory rather than mandatory, federal judges must correctly calculate the applicable guidelines...
U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1 Obstruction of Justice Enhancement
A defendant in federal court can receive a two-level increase in the offense level for obstructing or attempting to obstruct the administration of justice.
The enhancement is found in U.S.S.G. § 3C1.1 and can substantially increase the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines range.
But...
Stash House Sentencing Enhancement Under USSG § 2D1.1(b)(12)
The federal sentencing guidelines impose a two-level increase when a defendant maintained a premises for manufacturing or distributing controlled substances. This provision, commonly called the stash house sentencing enhancement, can substantially increase the recommended prison sentence.
The enhancement does not automatically apply merely because drugs were found inside a...
Federal Sentencing Attorney Michael Petro Secures 17 Month Sentence Reduction
Federal sentencing attorney Michael J. Petro successfully obtained a substantial sentence reduction for Nicolas Gomez in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The court reduced Mr. Gomez’s federal prison sentence from 84 months to 67 months, eliminating 17 months.
A federal sentence is not...
Federal Sentencing Attorney Michael Petro Explains Drug Quantity Findings
Drug quantity frequently controls the sentencing guideline range in a federal drug prosecution. A court cannot simply select an offense level without identifying the quantity attributed to the defendant and the reliable evidence supporting that calculation.
An unsupported drug quantity finding can add years to a federal prison sentence....