Sentence Modification

What Is Sentence Modification?

If you have been convicted of a crime, your sentence is the set of penalties that you are given by the judge, jury, or the terms of your plea deal. In an ideal world, these penalties would be proportional, just, and bearable. Unfortunately, for many detainees and parolees, they are not.

Suffering restrictions to your freedom because of an error in your defense or trial is a deep injustice, and one that can be corrected by requesting a sentence modification. Sentence modification can also be sought simply to lighten the burden of your probation, for example, by adjusting terms to better fit the constraints of your life or work.

The process of requesting and justifying a sentence modification is far from automatic, however, and it is easy to feel like the system is rigged against you as a convicted criminal. Fortunately, you are allowed to get help with your sentence modification request from defense attorneys like Jack O’Donnell, who has decades of experience in Connecticut courts.

Jack O’Donnell: Your Connecticut Sentence Modification Lawyer

As a criminal defense attorney with deep ties to communities across the state, Jack O’Donnell understands all too well the consequences of convictions. And when someone has been convicted, he fights hard to ensure they are treated fairly and are given every possible recourse for improving their sentence and minimizing its long-term impact on their life.

In addition to helping parolees through probation (including early termination) and working on expungements to clear the records of those who have served their sentence, Jack O’Donnell also takes on sentence modification claims to ensure punishments are fair and rehabilitation is possible.

Who Can Seek Sentence Modification In Connecticut? And For What?

If you have been sentenced to prison, jail, or probation time for a crime in Connecticut and:

• Think there were mistakes in your trial/case or that your sentence was too harsh.
• Have shown rehabilitation and/or good behavior.
• Are dealing with family, medical, or other personal issues that might justify a change.
• Cannot, or are struggling to, comply with your parole or probation terms.

Other conditions may be available as well, depending on your circumstances, and you should feel particularly empowered to request a modification if more than one of these situations applies to your case.

Some of the most common forms of sentence modifications available in Connecticut include:

• Adjustments of the terms or duration of your probation or parole, such as reducing the length, changing electronic monitoring conditions, or allowing necessary freedoms for new work.
• Requesting a reduction in prison or jail time, or even securing early release after some time has been served with good behavior.
• Substituting jail or prison time for alternative sentencing measures such as treatment programs or community service.
• Appealing one or more aspects of the conviction or sentence based on errors or new evidence.

None of these modifications will be automatically granted; all must be carefully justified and presented to the court, preferably with the help of a skilled attorney like Jack O’Donnell.

The Law Office Of Jack O’Donnell Can Help You Secure A Sentence Modification

A modification to your sentence can be just the breath of fresh air you need to regain some control over your life after a criminal conviction, but securing one can be a challenge. Not everyone is eligible, and extensive documentation is required to have a hope of obtaining a modification. Once you have filed the motion for review, a judge will consider it alongside any evidence, sometimes requiring a hearing.

As your defense attorneys, Jack O’Donnell and his team will walk you through that process, from the preparation of your request through to the final judgment and appeal if necessary.

We will:

• Advise you on your eligibility for sentence modification and what modifications you might be able to benefit from.
• Gather all the extensive evidence, documentation, supporting letters and resources required to successfully obtain a modification.
• File the forms and motions needed in a timely manner to get the ball rolling.
• Stand by your side, representing you and advocating for the outcome you need during any hearings that may be required.

No attorney worth hiring will guarantee you an outcome, but we take seriously the work we do to reduce sentences for people just like you throughout the state, and we have a track record of successful modifications to prove it. You should not have to suffer under an unfair or overly restrictive sentence. Take action by reaching out to our attorneys and discussing your options for modification.

Request A Modification To Your Connecticut Criminal Sentence

If you have been sentenced to jail, prison, or probation for a crime in Connecticut, even if you never worked with us before, we encourage you to reach out and discuss possible modifications. With the help of a skilled and experienced defense attorney like Jack O’Donnell, the relief you deserve may be just around the corner.

Call our New Haven office today at (203) 721-9343 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your sentence and the modification you are seeking, and start down the path to greater freedom and rehabilitation.