Freed prisoner faces return to jail after Supreme Court ruling

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 13:19 · Archive

Patrick Dewayne Smith, released in 2024 after 13 years for a drug conviction, could be sent back to prison following a Supreme Court decision on the First Step Act.

Patrick Dewayne Smith spent 13 years in federal prison on drug charges before a federal judge released him in 2024 under rules adopted following the First Step Act, a landmark criminal justice law passed during President Donald Trump's first term. Since his release, the 47-year-old has rebuilt his life in rural Tennessee, working two jobs, spending Sundays with his family at church, and attending ball games to support nieces and nephews he had never met.

In May, the Supreme Court ruled that people sentenced under older, harsher laws cannot rely on the disparity between their sentences and current penalties to seek early compassionate release. This decision has put Smith's freedom at immediate risk. He is among about a dozen people nationwide who could be returned to prison because of the ruling, according to FAMM, a sentencing reform group formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums.

Smith expressed anxiety about his uncertain future. 'Every time I get a call, I'm hoping it's some good news. Or, you know, at least not no bad news,' he said. FAMM warns that without clemency from the White House, second chances could disappear for those affected by the Supreme Court decision.

How it is being reported

• A freed man faces life back in prison after a Supreme Court ruling on the First Step ActPatrick Dewayne Smith is rebuilding his life after serving 13 years in prison on drug charges.Clickorlando · 11 Oct, 12:35
• A freed man faces life back in prison after a Supreme Court ruling on the First Step ActPatrick Dewayne Smith is rebuilding his life after serving 13 years in prison on drug charges.News4Jax · 11 Oct, 12:35

In this story: Patrick Dewayne Smith · Supreme Court · First Step Act · FAMM · Tennessee · Congress

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