Pro bono client, a first-time offender, serving a thirty-two year sentence obtains compassionate release

Client(s) Gregory, Daniel Alan

On November 22, 2021, Jones Day attorneys secured the compassionate release of Daniel Alan Gregory. Mr. Gregory returned home on November 23, 2021, and two days later, celebrated Thanksgiving with his family for the first time in fifteen years.

In 2007, Mr. Gregory, a first-time offender, was sentenced to thirty-two years’ imprisonment on two counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. Under the law at the time, Mr. Gregory faced inflexible and lengthy mandatory minimum sentences despite the facts of his case and his personal characteristics.

Jones Day attorneys argued that Mr. Gregory’s sentence should be reduced to time served due to subsequent changes in the law under the First Step Act and the 3553(a) sentencing factors. The First Step Act changed the sentencing laws for his counts of conviction, meaning he would have already served his term of imprisonment if sentenced today.

The Jones Day attorneys were assisted by local counsel from GableGotwals of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

United States v. Gregory, No. 07-CR-73-JED (N.D. Okla.)