Creating a release plan isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must if you want any shot at getting out of federal prison sooner–just ask Tracii Hutsona. The people deciding your fate—judges, probation officers, case managers—are looking at what you’ve done since becoming a target of a federal investigation. If you walk into prison without a plan, you’re giving them nothing to work with. A release plan shows them you’re serious about proving worthy of the liberty you are asking for. Here’s why it matters and how to do it right.
Why a Release Plan Matters
The probation officer’s report sticks with you from the moment you’re sentenced to the day you leave. That report influences where you’re sent, what programs you get, and when you can go home. If you’ve got a strong release plan, you’re showing that you’re doing more than just serving time—you’re taking responsibility and working toward something better.
A judge might downward depart from the guidelines, but that doesn’t mean they fully trust you. In one case, a judge said to a defendant, “You’re either really remorseful, or you’re conning me. Time will tell.” That’s how skeptical they can be. Having a release plan shows you’ve thought ahead about how you’ll spend your time inside and after prison.
Real Example: Joseph’s Story
Take Joseph DeGregorio. He walked into prison with a plan in hand. His case manager said, “I’ve never seen anything like this in 22 years.” That’s the reaction you want. Joseph had documentation: letters from counselors, medical records, proof of the work he planned to do. His plan wasn’t fluff—it was a blueprint for how he was going to spend his time productively.
But it wasn’t just about handing over a document. Joseph followed through. He met regularly with his case manager, provided book reports, and documented his progress. His plan wasn’t a one-and-done task; it evolved as he did the work. That’s what made it effective.
What Happens Without a Release Plan?
Let’s be real—if you show up unprepared, you’re making life harder on yourself. Case managers are cynical. They’ve seen it all. If you hand them a generic, cookie-cutter plan, they’ll toss it aside. But if you’ve got a detailed plan that shows you’ve thought things through—and you follow through—they’re more likely to help you get home sooner.
Gordon, another person in our community, spent time in nine different prisons. He shared that case managers initially view everyone as guilty until proven otherwise. It took him months to earn their trust, but he did it by consistently showing his progress and presenting his release plan in every meeting.
Building a Release Plan: Keep It Simple and Honest
Think of your release plan like a business plan for your life after prison. Here’s what you should include:
- Medical Records – If you’ve got health issues, document them.
- Letters from Doctors or Counselors – Show that you’ve been working on any issues, like addiction or trauma.
- Education Proof – GED, degrees, certifications—whatever you’ve got.
- Job Plans – What job are you aiming for? Get letters from potential employers.
- Volunteering Documentation – If you’ve done any nonprofit work, include proof of your contributions.
Make sure your plan isn’t just a list of promises. It needs to be actionable and realistic. If you say you’re going to journal every day, do it. If you commit to taking classes, make sure you follow through.
What Makes a Plan Work?
The key is follow-through. Don’t say you’re going to do something and then flake. If you commit to writing book reports or journaling every day, do it. Case managers notice when people actually stick to their word. And here’s the thing: even if they don’t say it to your face, they’re watching.
Joseph shared how his case manager, who had a reputation for being tough, became impressed with his work. She even showed his release plan to other staff. That’s how you separate yourself from everyone else. You do the work, you document it, and people notice.
Straight Talk from Experts
Chris Maloney, a former chief of probation, and Jon Gustin, who ran halfway houses for decades, both said the same thing: bring a plan to every meeting with your case manager. Don’t just talk about it—hand them something they can put in your file. And don’t waste time sending stuff directly to halfway houses. Get it into your central file—that’s what matters.
Jon also stressed that halfway houses make decisions based on who they think will succeed. They’re going to give longer halfway house placements to the people who have a track record of doing the work. If you’re someone with a strong release plan that’s been consistently updated, you’ve got a better chance.
What Can You Do Now?
Start building your release plan before sentencing. It’s way easier to tweak and improve it over time than to scramble at the last minute. Document your progress. If you say you’re going to do something, make sure it’s in writing and that you’ve got proof you did it.
Think about it from the perspective of a case manager or probation officer. They want to see proof that you’re serious. That means providing documentation—not just saying, “I’ll do better.”
Final Thoughts
Case managers will respect you more if you show them you’re serious and prepared. So, get your release plan together. It’s not about looking good on paper—it’s about proving you’re different from the person who committed the crime.
A bad release plan is worse than no plan. If you promise things and don’t follow through, you’re just proving their cynicism right. Be realistic. Be honest. And do the work. That’s how you get out faster and stay out.
Justin Paperny