Individuals convicted of a D.C. code offense when they were under the age of 25 and have served at least 15 years.

No. Eligibility only allows someone to ask the court for a sentence reduction. The court must review the individual circumstances of each case and determine whether a reduction is appropriate.

No.  IRAA is a D.C. specific law. It only applies to individuals who were sentenced for an offense under the District of Columbia Crime Code. However, several states have also enacted similar laws. 

IRAA cases often take several years from intake to final resolution.

The process typically includes:

• Investigation and records collection;

• Family and community interviews;

• Development of mitigation evidence;

• Preparation of a motion;

• Litigation and court hearings; and

• A decision from the court.

Every case moves at a different pace depending on the complexity of the case and court scheduling.

The court considers many factors, including:

• The person's age at the time of the offense;

• Evidence of growth, maturity, and rehabilitation;

• Educational, vocational, and treatment programming completed while incarcerated;

• Disciplinary history;

• Family and community support;

• Reentry plans;

• The impact on victims and survivors; and

• Public safety considerations.

The court conducts an individualized review of every case.

What is mitigation evidence?

Mitigation evidence helps tell the story of a person's life and development.

It may include information about:

• Childhood experiences;

• Family background;

• Trauma;

• Mental and physical health history;

• Educational experiences;

• Personal growth while incarcerated; and

• Contributions to others and the prison community.

Mitigation helps the court understand the whole person, not just the offense.

If the court grants relief, it may:

• Reduce the person's sentence;

• Order immediate release; or

• Modify the sentence in another way permitted by law.

Many individuals released under IRAA are also placed on a period of supervised release or probation.

If an IRAA motion is denied, the individual may be eligible to file another motion after three years, subject to the requirements of District law. However, a person may file no more than three IRAA motions in total.

Each case is unique, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

However, IRAA has provided second chances to many individuals who have demonstrated significant rehabilitation and readiness to return to their communities.

No.

IRAA is a court process in which a judge reviews a sentence and determines whether it should be reduced. Parole is a separate process conducted by the United States Parole Commission.

Some individuals may be eligible for both IRAA and parole, while others may only qualify for one form of relief.

The Second Look Project works to support individuals seeking second chances through:

• Direct legal representation in selected IRAA cases;

• Training and support for pro bono attorneys handling IRAA matters;

• Advocacy to improve second-chance laws and policies; and

• Holistic reentry support for clients returning to the community.

Individuals seeking assistance may contact The Second Look Project for an initial eligibility review.

Submitting a request does not create an attorney-client relationship, and because of limited resources, we cannot represent everyone who contacts us. However, we will do our best to provide information about available resources and potential next steps.