Brandon Sample Attorney Reviews
Celester DeGroat was arrested in 1996 and sentenced to 576 months in federal prison on a crack cocaine charge. As the years wore on and laws changed, Mr. DeGroat submitted every motion he could, only to have them denied by his sentencing judge. But just when all hope seemed lost, Mr. DeGroat hired Attorney Brandon Sample.
Mr. DeGroat's Motion for Resentencing was submitted in July 2020 and in August 2020, Mr. DeGroat's Motion for Resentencing was granted after serving less than half his original 48-year sentence.
Attorney Sample stuck with Mr. DeGroat through the entire process. He encouraged him to stay positive even when things appeared hopeless. Attorney Sample kept him informed throughout the entire process and made Mr. DeGroat feel like he was a part of his law firm. He handled Mr. DeGroat's case with integrity, honesty, and compassion. Brandon never gave up on Mr. DeGroat's case, and it paid off. Mr. DeGroat's heartfelt testimony is a true testament to the dedication, hard work, and compassion that Attorney Brandon Sample will bring to your case.
After being sentenced to 336 months in federal prison, Romond Foulks desperately needed to win an appeal. He felt that his previous lawyers hindered his case so significantly that he did not have a chance for relief.
Then he hired Attorney Brandon Sample. He was the first attorneys that fought for Mr. Foulks. Attorney Sample stuck with Mr. Foulks through it all. Even when his first appeal failed, they never gave up. Attorney Sample fully explained each step of the legal process and made it clear what would come next. They were honest, genuine and kept Mr. Foulks informed.
When you hire Attorney Brandon Sample, you will get the most dedicated, honest and compassionate legal team available. He genuinely cares about getting you the justice you deserve and will fight for you until a positive result is reached.
Mr. Anh Do hired Attorney Brandon Sample to assist him in applying for a compassionate release motion. Mr. Do desperately needed his compassionate release motion to be successful so he could take care of his ailing wife and family.
He was referred to Attorney Sample by his previous lawyer. Despite the judge denying Mr. Do's first motion, Brandon Sample did not give up.
He prepared a second compassionate release motion and kept Mr. Do informed throughout the process. Although Mr. Do was eventually granted his compassionate release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he thanks Mr. Sample and Mr. Newland for their marvelous work.
If you or a loved one needs a compassionate release from federal prison, call Attorney Brandon Sample. He will never stop fighting for you until you get the best outcome possible!
Insightfulness. Intelligence. Honesty. Professionalism. That’s what you get when you hire Attorney Brandon Sample.
Russell Taylor was desperate. He needed a way out of his sentence and was ready to file for a section 2255 motion. But other legal experts told him that it was impossible, that his motion would be denied.
But Mr. Taylor did not listen to them. He hired Attorney Brandon Sample and won his motion. What other people believed was impossible, Brandon Sample had the knowledge, skills and insight to get through the hardest case.With the assistance of Brandon Sample, Mr. Taylor vigorously fought for relief from his convictions. The Court ultimately agreed with the arguments by Brandon and granted Mr. Taylor relief.
Brandon was hired to seek compassionate release for Francisco Sandoval by his daughter, Yalitza. Francisco was serving a lengthy federal prison term, and unfortunately developed dementia.
Francisco applied for compassionate release from the Warden, but the Warden denied Francisco's request.
Yalitza found Brandon and hired him. Brandon put together a compelling motion for Francisco's release.
Ultimately, the Court granted Brandon's motion, agreeing to reduce Francisco's sentence to what was effectively time served.
Now Francisco and his family will be reunited.
Joseph Wolcott hired Brandon to assist him in applying for compassionate release. Joe, by the time he had reached Brandon, had been in prison for numerous years. Joe's health was in decline. His family was worried about Joe.
Brandon and his office took on the case in earnest, preparing a compelling application for Joe's release.
On Valentine's Day 2020, Joe and his family got the word they had been hoping for--Joe was going home! Immediate release! You can read a copy of the judge's order here: Joseph Wolcott Compassionate Release Order
Joe, his son Kevin, and Kevin's wife all gave testimonials about Brandon and his office's handling of Joe's case.
This was a great victory for Joe because he had nearly ten more years to serve without compassionate release. Brandon and his entire office are so excited for Joe and the rest of his family.
Allen Walker hired Brandon Sample when it seemed like hope for his appeal was lost. Allen originally appealed the denial of his 2255 motion without the help of a lawyer. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit refused to issue a certificate of appealability (COA), which is essentially permission to appeal. With very little time remaining, Allen hired Brandon to ask the appeals court to reconsider. Brandon accepted Allen's case and the court granted Brandon's motion for rehearing and issued a COA. After further briefing in the appeal, the appeals court agreed to send Allen's case back to the lower court for further proceedings.
It is very rare for a defendant to be granted rehearing after an appeal has already been decided adversely. It was Brandon's great pleasure to assist Allen in restoring his ability to further fight for 2255 relief. Listen to Allen's review here.
Cheryl Waller hired Brandon Sample to assist her in applying for compassionate release. Cheryl's health began to deteriorate after beginning her federal sentence.
Brandon's office prepared a thorough motion arguing why Cheryl's sentence should be reduced under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A) on compassionate release grounds.
After considering the arguments by Brandon's office, the Court agreed to reduce Cheryl's sentence in half. Cheryl will now be going home very soon. A copy of the judge's order can be access here: Cheryl Waller Compassionate Release Order.
Listen to Cheryl's review here.
Anthony Accurso hired Brandon Sample to assist him in challenging the BOP's refusal to accommodate him with a zafu and zabuton, a meditation cushion and mat used in Buddhism.
The BOP fought the lawsuit, but after the court denied the BOP's initial motion to transfer or dismiss the case, the parties began settlement discussions.
After months of negotiating, the BOP agreed provide Accurso with access a zafu and zabuton in his cell for religious meditation purposes. In addition, the BOP agreed to pay $25,000 in attorney's and costs.
A copy of the settlement agreement can be obtained here. Anthony Accurso RFRA settlement.
Listen to Anthony's review here.
Karl Bell hired Brandon Sample to assist him in challenging his two life sentences under the First Step Act of 2018.
Brandon prepared a comprehensive motion addressing the facts of Karl's case and the law in support of a sentence reduction. The Government initially opposed any relief for Karl, but after Brandon spoke with the prosecutor the Government changed its position.
The judge scheduled a hearing on Karl's motion and Brandon argued in favor of relief. The Court granted the motion Brandon prepared and reduced Karl's TWO life sentences to 370 months. And be sure to check out Karl's review of Brandon's handling of his case.
Lawrence Herring hired attorney Brandon Sample to help him appeal the denial of his 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion. Attorney Brandon Sample worked on Lawrence's appeal.
At issue in the case was whether the lower court had erred in denying 2255 relief without an evidentiary hearing. Herring sought 2255 relief on the basis that his lawyer failed to adequately consult with him about an appeal. Instead of advising Herring about the advantages and disadvantages of an appeal, Herring asserted that his lawyer told him that he did not do appellate work and should go and see another lawyer if he wanted to appeal.
The U.S. Court of Appeals, in a 14 page published opinion, held that the lower court erred in not holding a hearing on a Lawrence's 2255 motion. "Trial attorneys cannot outsource their constitutional obligation to advise their clients about filing an appeal nor their duty to make a reasonable effort to discover their clients’ wishes," the appeals court held.
It is very difficult to win 2255 motions, much less an appeal from the denial of a 2255 motion.
Check out Lawrence's review of the Firm's handling of his case.
David Miles hired the Law Office of Brandon Sample to assist him in applying for a sentence reduction under the First Step Act of 2018.
The Firm prepared a comprehensive motion arguing for a below Guidelines sentence in David's case. The Government opposed David's motion.
The Court agreed with the Firm's arguments and granted David's motion. David's sentence was reduced 65 months, a little more than five years. You can read a copy of the judge's order here: David Miles sentence reduction order. You can also check out David's review of the Firm's handling of his case here: David Miles client review.
Demetris Blocker hired Brandon Sample to assist him in applying for a sentence reduction. Demetris had been in federal prison for approximately 14 years when he found Brandon.
The government strongly opposed Demetris' entitlement to relief. But Brandon fought hard for Demetris and in the end the judge agreed that Demetris's sentence should be reduced.
The Court granted the motion Brandon prepared and reduced Demetris' sentence to TIME SERVED. You can read a copy of the judge's order here: Blocker sentence reduction order. And be sure to check out Demetris' review of Brandon's handling of his case.
David Lee hired the Law Office of Brandon Sample to assist him in obtaining relief from his life sentence under the First Step Act of 2018.
The prosecutor was not opposed to the Court giving David a sentence reduction, but was only willing to recommend that David's sentence be reduced to 262 months. However, Brandon argued aggressively in favor of a larger sentence reduction.
Ultimately, the Court agreed with Brandon's arguments and reduced David's sentence to 210 months from LIFE. You can read a copy of the judge's order here: Order Reducing David's sentence. And be sure to check out David's' review of Brandon's handling of his case.
Joe Garrett hired attorney Brandon Sample to assist him with a motion for reduction in sentence under the First Step Act of 2018. Joe was previously sentenced to four life sentences for drug charges.
Brandon prepared a compelling motion for reduction in sentence, which the Government opposed. The Government argued that the Court should deny Joe's motion because the nature of his crimes were too serious.
Brandon fought hard against the Government's arguments, and the Court agreed with Brandon that Joe should receive a sentence reductions. The Court reduced Joe's four LIFE sentences to 35 years.
You can read a copy of the judge's order here. Joe's review of Brandon's handling of his case can be listened to here.
Michael Mangan hired attorney Brandon Sample to assist him with a 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion after Michael had originally sought § 2255 relief himself.
Brandon prepared and submitted an amended § 2255 motion which argued that the sentence imposed breached Michael's plea agreement or, in the alternative, Michael's sentencing attorney was ineffective for failing to object to the Government's breach of the plea agreement.
After a vigorous battle with the prosecutor, the judge granted Michael's § 2255 motion. The judge agreed with Brandon that the sentence imposed was inconsistent with Michael's plea agreement.
You can read a copy of the judge's order here. And be sure to check out Michael's testimonial about Brandon's hard work in Michael's case.
Troy Coleman hired Brandon Sample to assist him with a 28 U.S.C. § 2255 motion after his appellate attorney abandoned him on appeal.
Brandon prepared a thorough § 2255 motion arguing that Troy was entitled to a new appeal because of his attorney's conduct in handling his appeal.
A federal judge granted Troy's § 2255 motion, agreeing with Brandon that Troy's attorney had abandoned him on appeal. For relief, the court ordered that Troy be given the opportunity to take a new appeal.
Check out the judge's order granting Troy 28 U.S.C. § 2255 relief, and listen to Troy's comments about the quality of representation that Brandon provided to him.
Eddie Cox was sentenced to life imprisonment in the early 1990s. For nearly three decades, Eddie tried to overturn his life sentences without success.
In October 2017, Eddie's life sentences were finally overturned by a federal judge in the Central District of Illinois with Brandon's assistance.
Brandon helped craft novel 28 U.S.C. § 2241 arguments concerning the application the "savings clause" to Eddie's case which prompted the judge to agree that not only could Eddie challenge his sentence via a § 2241 petition--Eddie was entitled to § 2241 relief because he was no longer eligible for the life sentences.
You can read the judge's order granting Eddie relief from his life sentences, and are encouraged to listen to Eddie's testimonial about the quality of help he received from Brandon.
Kinard hired Brandon to assist him with a Federal Bureau of Prisons jail credit issue.
The BOP denied Kinard years of credit that he was entitled to under the so-called "Willis Credit" rule.
After months of investigation, and significant back and forth between between a state lawyer and state court clerk, Brandon was able to help obtain a court order that clarified Kinard's prior state sentence.
Based on the clarification that was granted in Kinard's state case, the BOP recalculated Kinard's federal sentence. After recalculation, Kinard received years of additional credit off of his federal sentence.
Check out the testimonial provided by Kinard about how Brandon was able to help him.
Daniel Snow hired attorney Brandon Sample to help him obtain halfway house placement.
Daniel was originally approved for halfway house, but the Bureau of Prisons subsequently cancelled his halfway house release date.
Brandon contacted the BOP, members of Congress, and other interested parties to help get Daniel's halfway house date reinstated.
Listen to the positive things Daniel has to say about how Brandon was able to resolve his halfway house problems.
Brandon assisted Muratella with a § 2255 motion that alleged ineffective assistance of counsel over the loss of a more favorable plea bargain. Following an evidentiary hearing in the case, which highlighted the attorney's ineffectiveness, the parties agreed to SETTLE the 2255 motion.
The court accepted the settlement, finding that Muratella had received ineffective assistance of counsel. Further, the court reduced Muratella's sentence by 2.5 years.
This testimonial is provided by Mary Musso. Brandon represented Musso concerning extending her halfway house and home confinement time. Initially, the Federal Bureau of Prisons only gave Musso two months home confinement. After Brandon came on, they extended this to the full six months.
Erika hired Brandon to assist her with a federal court re-sentencing in Montana. Brandon filed objections to the Presentence Investigation Report arguing that Erika's Guideline range should be lower because of an error in the calculation of the "loss" amount. In addition, Brandon challenged a proposed special condition of supervised release.
The judge sustained (granted) both of Brandon's objections at sentencing. Then after hearing from Brandon and Erika, the Court sentenced Erika to 35 months in prison, which was equivalent to TIME SERVED based on the amount of time Erika had already spent in prison.
Guidel Moscoso-Pinto hired Brandon Sample after becoming dissatisfied with his existing attorney. Brandon reviewed the performance by Guidel's former attorney and made recommendations concerning Guidel's next best steps. Brandon then prepared an extensive sentencing memorandum and motion for downward variance in anticipation of Guidel's sentencing. The judge, after hearing Brandon's arguments, granted the motion for downward variance. In all, the Court varied over 50 percent below the sentence called for by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The final sentence was 21 months.
Mirwais hired Brandon to assist him with his application for a certificate of appealability before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Brandon argued that the district judge's denial of 2255 relief should be reversed because the court did not consider all of Mirwais' claims. The court of appeals agreed and reversed.