SDNY Judge Holds Court May Consider Factors Other Than Substantial Assistance In Rule 35 Reduction
It has long been the practice in this circuit for a district court to consider all 18 U.S.C. §
The judge drew a distinction between granting the motion to reduce the sentence, and determining the extent of the reduction. As to the first prong, the judge ruled that the court may only consider the defendant's efforts to provide assistance to the government. As to the second prong, the judge held, however (and over the government's objection), that the full panoply of §
This means, of course, that since the defendant is most likely incarcerated, the court may, on a Rule 35 motion, consider the defendant's experience in prison, including positive adjustment, rehabilitation or mistreatment, as well as changed personal or family circumstances.
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