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These news stories name Brandon Sample. Each link goes to the outlet’s own page. The clients named here agreed to be named.
Reporters can email media@brandonsample.com.
Bernard Madoff: compassionate release
Notable representation
In February 2020, Brandon Sample filed a motion for compassionate release for Bernard Madoff. The motion said Madoff had end-stage kidney disease.
Judge Denny Chin denied the motion on June 4, 2020. Madoff died in federal prison on April 14, 2021.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Coverage
NPR ·
Bernie Madoff, Financier Behind Notorious Ponzi Scheme, Dies At 82 (opens in a new tab)WRAL (Associated Press) ·
Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff dies in Butner prison at 82 (opens in a new tab)Bloomberg News (via InvestmentNews) ·
Bernie Madoff, mastermind of giant Ponzi scheme, dies at 82 (opens in a new tab)NBC News (Associated Press) ·
Ponzi king Bernie Madoff’s bid for early release rejected by judge (opens in a new tab)Associated Press (via PBS NewsHour) ·
Inmates fearful of virus argue for release (opens in a new tab)CBS New York ·
Bernie Madoff Asks To Make ‘Dying, Personal Plea’ To Judge For Early Release (opens in a new tab)CNBC ·
These Bernie Madoff victims support the Ponzi scheme king’s bid to leave prison early to die a free man (opens in a new tab)NPR ·
Bernie Madoff Seeks Early Release Because He Has ‘Less Than 18 Months’ To Live (opens in a new tab)Associated Press (via FOX 9) ·
Madoff seeks prison release, citing terminal kidney failure (opens in a new tab)
Ross Ulbricht: prison lawsuit and pardon coverage
Notable representation
In 2021, Brandon Sample represented Ross Ulbricht in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court dismissed the case in December 2021 after both sides asked it to.
President Trump gave Ulbricht a full pardon on January 21, 2025. News coverage of the pardon quotes Brandon Sample as Ulbricht’s attorney.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Coverage
The Independent (via Yahoo News) ·
Silk Road founder pardoned by Trump 11 years into double life sentences lauds president as ‘a man of his word’ (opens in a new tab)iHeart ·
Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht Breaks Silence On Trump Pardon (opens in a new tab)Newsweek ·
Trump Pardons Ross Ulbricht After Urging Death Penalty For Drug Dealers (opens in a new tab)Bitcoin Magazine ·
Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit From Silk Road Founder, Bitcoin Pioneer Ross Ulbricht (opens in a new tab)Bitcoin Magazine ·
Ross Ulbricht Sues Federal Government, Alleges Religious Rights Are Being Violated In Prison (opens in a new tab)
Joe Exotic: pardon request and appeal
Notable representation
Brandon Sample was part of the pro bono team that asked President Trump to pardon Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic. No pardon was granted.
Brandon Sample argued Joe Exotic’s direct appeal in the Tenth Circuit. On July 14, 2021, the court upheld the conviction, vacated the sentence and ordered a new sentencing. Other lawyers handled the later proceedings.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
Coverage
Associated Press (via KSAT) ·
Court orders shorter sentence for ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic (opens in a new tab)CNN (via ABC 17 News) ·
‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic will be resentenced after a court order (opens in a new tab)FOX 35 Orlando ·
Joe Exotic’s legal team reacts to Trump not pardoning ‘Tiger King’ star, insist he’s ‘not guilty’ (opens in a new tab)Good Morning America (ABC News) ·
Team Tiger hoping Trump pardons Joe Exotic (opens in a new tab)
Columns and articles by Brandon Sample
Brandon Sample has written a column for Criminal Legal News and articles for Prison Legal News on federal habeas law, the Supreme Court and the Bureau of Prisons.
Selected writing
Criminal Legal News ·
Q&A: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Which Errors Are Worth Pursuing? (opens in a new tab)Criminal Legal News ·
Guilty Plea Does Not Foreclose Challenge To Constitutionality Of Conviction, U.S. Supreme Court Decides (opens in a new tab)Criminal Legal News ·
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Habeas Relief Citing AEDPA Deference (opens in a new tab)Prison Legal News ·
Articles by Brandon Sample (2013–2016) (opens in a new tab)
Criminal Center, 1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW # 200, Washington, DC 20006, phone 202-990-2500, email help@criminalcenter.com
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