Mar 16 2026
9th Cir. 3:17-cr-02201-CAB-1 Unpublished

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. HUGO SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of a defendant's motion for compassionate release, ruling that the district court's reliance on sentencing factors outweighed any potential error in assessing extraordinary circumstances. The court held that the seriousness of the offense and the nature of the drugs involved provided an independent, valid basis to deny relief.

Mar 12 2026
5th Cir. 25-10599 Per Curiam

United States v. Fields

The Fifth Circuit affirmed the denial of a federal prisoner's motion for compassionate release, ruling that the district court did not abuse its discretion. The appellate court held that even if extraordinary and compelling reasons existed, the district court properly weighed the seriousness of the offenses against public safety concerns.

Mar 11 2026
5th Cir. 25-50543 Per Curiam

United States v. Smith

The Fifth Circuit dismissed Daniel Thomason Smith's appeal as frivolous because he had not yet served the ten-year minimum sentence required for compassionate release under U.S.S.G. § 1B1.13(b)(6). The court further held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying relief based on the nature of the offenses and the defendant's criminal history.

Mar 4 2026
11th Cir. 0:22-cr-60142-RAR-3 Per Curiam

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ANNEL ANTONIO CARRERA

The Eleventh Circuit dismissed Annel Antonio Carrera's appeal as untimely because his notice of appeal was filed more than 30 days after the initial deadline expired. The court also affirmed the district court's denial of his motion for reconsideration, ruling that he failed to present new evidence or legal authority.

Mar 4 2026
4th Cir. 24-7011 Per Curiam

United States v. Doctor

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit dismissed an appeal regarding a compassionate release motion. The dismissal occurred because the appellant was released from incarceration via executive clemency while the appeal was pending.

Feb 25 2026
7th Cir. 25-2302 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. DAVID J. TAYLOR

The Seventh Circuit affirmed the denial of David Taylor's motion for compassionate release, ruling that he failed to prove his medical care was inadequate or that his family circumstances constituted an extraordinary and compelling reason. The court also clarified that rehabilitation efforts alone cannot serve as the basis for early release under the federal statute.

Feb 17 2026
7th Cir. 24-2577 Panel Decision

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. MONISHA RHODES

The Seventh Circuit affirmed the denial of Monisha Rhodes's motion for compassionate release, ruling that statutory sentencing factors weighed against relief despite her caregiving circumstances. The court held that the district court properly considered her extensive criminal history and the need to protect the public from further crimes.

Feb 17 2026
11th Cir. 5:11-cr-00023-MW-GRJ-1 Published

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. RUFINO ROBELO-GALO

The Eleventh Circuit established a new standard for compassionate release, requiring inmates to prove that no other person is both qualified and free to care for an incapacitated family member. Applying this rule, the court affirmed the denial of Rufino Robelo-Galo's petition because his son was found to be an available alternative caregiver.