The coronavirus is infecting American prison inmates at a rate more than five times higher than in the overall U.S. population, and those numbers are escalating rapidly, according to an analysis by the UCLA School of Law’s COVID-19 Behind Bars Data Project. When adjusted for age, those infected while incarcerated were more than three times more likely to die from coronavirus than those on the outside, according to the UCLA report.
What Are Some of the Worst Viral Hot Spots?
Some of the worst viral hot spots in the nation have been in prisons and jails. More than 2,400 inmates at the Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio tested positive, according to figures compiled by The New York Times. The San Quentin State Prison in California has seen 1,587 positive cases, and the Harris County jail in Houston, Texas has reported 1,390 with the illness, the Times data says. More than 3,212 inmates and 918 staff have tested positive in the Florida Department of Corrections. See DOC Covid-19 Statistics.
COVID 19 Home Confinement Information
Given the surge in positive cases at select sites and in response to the Attorney General Barr’s directives, the BOP began immediately reviewing all inmates who have COVID 19 risk factors, as described by the CDC, to determine which inmates are suitable for home confinement. Since the release of the Attorney General’s original memo to the Bureau of Prisons on March 26, 2020 instructing the BOP to prioritize home confinement as an appropriate response to the COVID 19 pandemic, the BOP has placed an additional 4,552 inmates on home confinement; an increase of 160 percent. See Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Covid-19 Website.
What is Compassionate Release for Covid-19?
Federal law authorizes the BOP to allow certain inmates to request a compassionate release which allows for home confinement or early release from Federal prisons under extraordinary and compelling circumstances. Additionally, the First Step Act allows judges to release federal inmates during this pandemic, especially those with serious illnesses or conditions or those that are vulnerable to respiratory issues that can be particularly harmful if infected with the Coronavirus.
Should I Contact a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you or a loved one are incarcerated in a federal institution and believe that you qualify for relief due to the coronavirus, it is important that you discuss your situation with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to learn about your options. The process and laws are complex. You may need the assistance of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to get a favorable resolution.
Why Fernandez & ?
The attorneys at Fernandez have experience defending federal defendants and will work vigorously to exercise your rights, and may be able to get you some relief. The criminal defense attorneys at Fernandez & have the federal experience necessary to deal with and resolve federal release issues. The attorneys at Fernandez & are bilingual and will provide a free and confidential consultation so that you can discuss your case. The attorneys at Fernandez & can help you understand all of your options.
If you or someone you know has been incarcerated in federal prison and believe that you qualify for home confinement or early release and need help, Fernandez & will guide you through the process. Fernandez & can assist you in getting the outcome you deserve. Federal cases are complex. Fernandez & may be able to help you find a solution.
Federal criminal defense attorney Daniel J. Fernandez has experience with federal cases and will work diligently to get your situation resolved favorably. Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez can help guide you through the process.
If you or a loved one need legal assistance with a compassionate release issue call Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez of Fernandez & at 813-229-5353.
