BOP Early Release

No Defendant Ever Said, “I regretted preparing for RDAP to get 24-months off my sentence.”

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Answers To Your Questions

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) FAQs

Everything you need to know about the requirements, benefits, and process of qualifying for RDAP early release.

RDAP is a voluntary, nine-month, 500-hundred hour program. RDAP embraces a comprehensive and intensive therapeutic community model focused on substance abuse, addiction, criminal thinking patterns, coping skills and more. Further, besides the therapeutic model, three groups of treatment are covered: small, module and self help groups. To learn more about each model and group, schedule a call now.

Yes

Prisoners convicted of violent crimes are ineligible. Additionally, felony convictions of rape, assault, robbery or child sexual-abuse will disqualify you. Moreover, violence and use of a weapon or firearm will disqualify you.

If your sentence is 24-30 months, you’ll earn a 6-month sentence reduction. If your sentence is 31–36 months, you’ll earn a 9-month sentence reduction. If your sentence is 37 or more months, you’ll earn a 12-month sentence reduction.

Yes. Due diligence is advised before enrolling in any prison program, including RDAP. Schedule a call to learn more, and watch this video to better understand the cons to this program.

Honesty, Responsibility, Open-mindedness, Caring, Objectivity, Humility, Willingness, Gratitude.

Not all federal prisons have RDAP. To view the RDAP facility list click here. Once you are accepted into RDAP you will be transferred to a prison that does have RDAP.

See our updated facilities list here.

You must have a verifiable substance abuse disorder within 12 months of your indictment or arrest–whichever is earlier; you must demonstrate that you are capable of completing all three phases of RDAP; you have enough time left on your prison sentence; and you voluntarily enroll, review and sign all documents.

Over the last few years the process to get in has become stricter. We would estimate less than 10% of applications are accepted. For that reason, the wait list is not as long as it used to be.

One would think so. Unfortunately, however, the decision rests with the staff in prison. Naturally, it can be very disheartening when a defendant enters prison assuming he will get RDAP to then be turned down. Never forget the judge is simply making a recommendation.

Yes. Again, the recommendation is simply that. Some judges recommend it; others make no recommendation at all; and some out right deny it.

Yes. If you do not understand the program structure and rules, you jeopardize your chance at completion. Despite prisoners wanting the time off, many claim the rigid structure of RDAP and rules, like having to snitch on other prisoners, is too much. Make sure you’re in the small percentage of prisoners who not only gets into RDAP, but also who completes it. If you are thrown out of RDAP, you could face other sanctions, like loss of good time or a transfer.

Yes, RDAP is voluntary. You can stop participating in classes, but you will not be officially removed until you have met with staff. Following that meeting if you would still like to be removed, you will be.

Yes, but you must participate in the whole program, even if you have completed prior phases. And you have to wait 90 days before reapplying.

Yes, if staff feels you are not fully participating and embracing the RDAP precepts they can hold you back and require you to retake a phase.

Yes. See this video.

RDAP is 9 months, and to earn the full time off you have to complete 500 hours worth of therapy. Phase 1 and Phase 2 take place in prison. Phase 3 also known as TDAT (transitional drug abuse treatment) lasts six months and takes place at the halfway house/home confinement portion of your sentence.

Typically, you need to be within 48-60 months of your release. Priority is given to those who have an earlier release date.

Most of our clients who participate in RDAP are white-collar executives. You do not have to be convicted of a drug crime or use drugs to qualify.

The measurement or definition the BOP uses comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the Mental Disorders (DSM IV). Essentially, you must show a pattern of abuse and dependence. Click here to learn more about the evidence one should collect to show this pattern and dependence of abuse.

As I describe in our RDAP course we offer to you for free (text SOCRATES to 44222 to immediately get our new updated RDAP course), the evidence comes from you, and the team you work with to help compile it properly. In time, prison administrators may verify that the information is authentic. Indeed, I have had client’s tell me that the drug abuse coordinator has called their counselor or physician right in front of them to confirm and discuss the history of substance abuse. One must not assume anything with the BOP. I have received distressed calls from families telling me that despite a history of substance abuse their loved one was denied access. The BOP denied the claim because they did not have concrete evidence that alcohol or drugs were used within 12 months of the indictment or arrest. Logic suggests that if a prison term of more than 24 months is in your future, you should schedule a call now to make sure you are collecting the proper evidence to ensure your admittance into RDAP.

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