Criminal Center

About Criminal Center

Criminal Center is a boutique federal criminal defense firm. We take on a limited number of cases at a time, so each one gets close, personal attention. We handle federal cases nationwide, and only federal cases. Through Clemency.com, we help people ask the President for a pardon, or for a shorter sentence (a commutation) while they are still in prison.

Federal practice only

The President can grant clemency only for federal crimes, so that is the only kind of case we take here. If the conviction came from a state court, clemency from the President isn't available.

Attorney Brandon Sample

Brandon Sample

Brandon Sample is licensed in Vermont and practices federal criminal law nationwide, with years of hands-on experience in federal courts, and he prepares the petitions that go to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, the Justice Department office that reviews clemency requests for the President.

Read the full biography.

Office

Criminal Center, 1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW # 200, Washington, DC 20006

Book a consultation to talk it through with Brandon Sample. Questions? Email help@criminalcenter.com.

In the news

Ross Ulbricht: prison lawsuit and pardon coverage

In 2021, Brandon Sample represented Ross Ulbricht in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court dismissed the case in December 2021 after both sides asked it to.

President Trump gave Ulbricht a full pardon on January 21, 2025. News coverage of the pardon quotes Brandon Sample as Ulbricht’s attorney.

Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case. No one can promise that the President will grant clemency.

Joe Exotic: pardon request and appeal

Brandon Sample was part of the pro bono team that asked President Trump to pardon Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic. No pardon was granted.

Brandon Sample argued Joe Exotic’s direct appeal in the Tenth Circuit. On July 14, 2021, the court upheld the conviction, vacated the sentence and ordered a new sentencing. Other lawyers handled the later proceedings.

Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case. No one can promise that the President will grant clemency.

More coverage on brandonsample.com

Federal only

Could clemency help your family?

Book a consultation about a federal pardon or commutation. We'll listen, tell you whether we can help, and explain what comes next.

Information you send before we agree to represent you may not be confidential.

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