Justice Department ends limiting compassionate release in plea deals after NPR story

Justice Department ends limiting compassionate release in plea deals after NPR story Enlarge this image toggle caption KEVIN LAMARQUE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images KEVIN LAMARQUE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images The Justice Department is directing prosecutors to stop limiting defendants' ability to seek compassionate release in most federal plea agreements, after advocates criticized the practice as cruel and against the intent of Congress. Enlarge this image toggle caption MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images The lawmakers want the Justice Department to share how many people have signed federal plea deals that include those waivers. Sponsor Message "As a general matter, plea agreements should not require broad waivers of the right to file a compassionate release motion," Monaco wrote in a memo dated March 11. Enlarge this image toggle caption KEVIN LAMARQUE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images KEVIN LAMARQUE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Compassionate release became crucial lifeline for many during pandemic The compassionate release program has become a crucial lifeline for people in prison during the coronavirus pandemic, even if the petitions are still granted rarely.