About Us
Federal Sentence Help
Most people leave a federal sentencing hearing with more questions than answers and very few reliable places to turn. Federal Sentence Help is an educational and support resource built to close the distance between the legal process handled in the courtroom and the practical realities of sentencing, custody, and reentry that individuals and families face afterward.
Our work draws on lived experience with the federal system and years of studying Bureau of Prisons policy, First Step Act implementation, and Second Chance Act placement. Every client receives our guidebook Beyond the Bars: A Survivor's Guide to Federal Prison Camp and Reentry as part of that work.
Why Federal Sentence Help Exists
Federal Sentence Help is an educational and support resource for federal defendants, families, and attorneys. We help individuals and families understand federal sentence calculations, First Step Act credits, self-surrender preparation, Bureau of Prisons processes, family preparation, release planning, and reentry considerations.
We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or make legal decisions for clients. Legal strategy, motions, appeals, plea agreements, and case-specific legal advice remain the responsibility of the individual's attorney.
Many clients use Federal Sentence Help alongside their attorney to better understand the practical realities of federal custody and prepare informed questions throughout the process.
Our Origin Story
Toni De Lanoy, Founder and President
Toni founded Federal Sentence Help after living through federal pretrial supervision, sentencing, designation, self-surrender, and more than a year in a federal prison camp. In her own words, here is why this organization exists.
Why I Created Federal Sentence Help
The federal criminal justice system can be difficult to understand, especially for individuals and families encountering it for the first time.
After sentencing, people typically leave the courtroom with questions about what will happen next. Questions about Bureau of Prisons designation, surrender timelines, communication systems, and sentence calculations often arise quickly, yet reliable guidance can be difficult to find.
My experience navigating this system personally is what ultimately led me to create the resources on this site.
Navigating the Federal System
In 2020, I became involved in a federal case that would shape the next several years of my life.
From September of 2020 through early 2024, I remained on pretrial supervision while my case moved through the courts. During that time I spent a significant amount of time researching federal sentencing, Bureau of Prisons policies, and how federal sentences are administered once someone enters the system.
Like many people facing the federal system for the first time, I quickly realized how difficult it could be to find clear, reliable information about what actually happens after sentencing.
Much of the information available online focused on legal theory or appeals, while very little explained the realities individuals and families experience when preparing to enter the federal system.
Not sure where to start?
Schedule a no-cost one-on-one call to discuss your situation, ask questions, and learn what resources may be helpful for you and your family.
Have a question first?
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