The following excerpt is from United States v. Israel, 20-3461-cr (2nd Cir. 2021):
"We review the denial of a motion for compassionate release for abuse of discretion, which incorporates de novo review with respect to questions of statutory interpretation." United States v. Saladino, 7 F.4th 120, 122 (2d Cir. 2021). Section 3582(c)(1)(A), as amended by the First Step Act, provides that a court "may reduce the term of imprisonment . . . after considering the factors set forth in section 3553(a) to the extent that they are applicable, if it finds that . . . extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant such a reduction." 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(1)(A). Even where an inmate demonstrates extraordinary and compelling circumstances, a judge retains discretion to
deny relief after considering the 3553(a) factors. Id.; 18 U.S.C. 3553(a); see also United States v. Jones, 17 F.4th 371 (2d Cir. 2021) ("[E]xtraordinary and compelling reasons are necessary- but not sufficient-for a defendant to obtain relief under 3582(c)(1)(A).").
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