Federal Cooperation Sentence Reduction Calculator
Model how a substantial assistance reduction under Rule 35(b) or U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1 would change a federal sentence and the resulting release date, halfway house date, and supervised release date. Reductions are discretionary — only the government can move for them and only a judge can grant them.
5K1.1 versus Rule 35(b)
- A § 5K1.1 motion is filed before sentencing and lowers the sentence the judge imposes.
- A Rule 35(b) motion is filed after sentencing, usually within one year, and reduces a sentence already imposed.
- Both require a motion from the government; a defendant cannot file one alone.
- The size of the reduction is entirely within the court's discretion.
Frequently asked questions
How much time off do you get for cooperating in a federal case?
There is no fixed amount. Reductions vary widely with the value, timeliness, and completeness of the assistance, and the decision rests with the judge after a government motion.
What is the deadline for a Rule 35(b) motion?
Generally within one year of sentencing, with limited exceptions for information that only became useful later.
Federal Sentence Help is an educational resource and is not a law firm. Projections are estimates; actual dates are determined by the Bureau of Prisons. More resources at federalsentencehelp.org.