The law regarding a motion attacking sentence of a federal court is set forth in 28 USC § 2255.
(a) A prisoner in custody under sentence of a court established by Act of Congress claiming the right to be released upon the ground that the sentence was imposed in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States, or that the court was without jurisdiction to impose such sentence, or that the sentence was in excess of the maximum authorized by law, or is otherwise subject to collateral attack, may move the court which imposed the sentence to vacate, set aside or correct the sentence.
(b) Unless the motion and the files and records of the case conclusively show that the prisoner is entitled to no relief, the court shall cause notice thereof to be served upon the United States attorney, grant a prompt hearing thereon, determine the issues and make findings of fact and conclusions of law with respect thereto. If the court finds that the judgment was rendered without jurisdiction, or that the sentence imposed was not authorized by law or otherwise open to collateral attack, or that there has been such a denial or infringement of the constitutional rights of the prisoner as to render the judgment vulnerable to collateral attack, the court shall vacate and set the judgment aside and shall discharge the prisoner or resentence him or grant a new trial or correct the sentence as may appear appropriate.
(c) A court may entertain and determine such motion without requiring the production of the prisoner at the hearing.
(d) An appeal may be taken to the court of appeals from the order entered on the motion as from a final judgment on application for a writ of habeas corpus.
(e) An application for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of a prisoner who is authorized to apply for relief by motion pursuant to this section, shall not be entertained if it appears that the applicant has failed to apply for relief, by motion, to the court which sentenced him, or that such court has denied him relief, unless it also appears that the remedy by motion is inadequate or ineffective to test the legality of his detention.
(f) A 1-year period of limitation shall apply to a motion under this section. The limitation period shall run from the latest of(1) the date on which the judgment of conviction becomes final;
(2) the date on which the impediment to making a motion created by governmental action in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States is removed, if the movant was prevented from making a motion by such governmental action;
(3) the date on which the right asserted was initially recognized by the Supreme Court, if that right has been newly recognized by the Supreme Court and made retroactively applicable to cases on collateral review; or
(4) the date on which the facts supporting the claim or claims presented could have been discovered through the exercise of due diligence.
(g) Except as provided in section 408 of the Controlled Substances Act, in all proceedings brought under this section, and any subsequent proceedings on review, the court may appoint counsel, except as provided by a rule promulgated by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Appointment of counsel under this section shall be governed by section 3006A of title 18.
(h) A second or successive motion must be certified as provided in section 2244 by a panel of the appropriate court of appeals to contain
(1) newly discovered evidence that, if proven and viewed in light of the evidence as a whole, would be sufficient to establish by clear and convincing evidence that no reasonable factfinder would have found the movant guilty of the offense; or
(2) a new rule of constitutional law, made retroactive to cases on collateral review by the Supreme Court, that was previously unavailable.
Illinois Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, Modify or Correct a Sentence by a Person in Federal Custody: In the state of Illinois, a Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, Modify or Correct a Sentence by a Person in Federal Custody, also known as a post-conviction motion, can be filed by a federal prisoner seeking relief from their sentence. This motion provides an avenue for the defendant to challenge the legality or fairness of their conviction or sentence. It allows them to seek remedies such as having their sentence reduced, changed, or completely overturned. Keywords: Illinois, Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, Modify, Correct, Sentence, Federal Custody, post-conviction, legality, fairness, conviction, remedies, reduce, change, overturn. Types of Illinois Motions to Vacate, Set Aside, Modify or Correct a Sentence by a Person in Federal Custody: 1. Motion to Vacate: This type of motion seeks to have the court void the conviction or sentence altogether. It is usually based on constitutional violations, ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or errors made during the trial. 2. Motion to Set Aside: This motion aims to have the court set aside the conviction or sentence based on specific grounds such as errors in the sentencing process, violations of the defendant's rights, or errors in the plea bargaining process. 3. Motion to Modify: This motion requests the court to modify or reduce the existing sentence based on various factors such as changes in law, new evidence, rehabilitation efforts, or extraordinary circumstances. The defendant may seek a reduced sentence, alternate sentencing, or placement in a halfway house or rehabilitation program. 4. Motion to Correct: This type of motion addresses errors or defects in the court's judgment or sentence that can be corrected without requiring the court to revisit the entire conviction. The motion may ask the court to modify aspects of the sentence or correct errors that occurred during the sentencing process. It is important to note that each type of motion has distinct requirements, deadlines, and procedures that must be followed when filing in Illinois federal courts. It is crucial for individuals seeking relief from their sentence to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in federal criminal defense to navigate the complex legal process and ensure their rights are protected. Keywords: Motion to Vacate, Set Aside, Modify, Correct, Sentence, Federal Custody, Illinois, post-conviction, constitutional violations, ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, errors, sentencing process, plea bargaining, modify, reduce, alternate sentencing, halfway house, rehabilitation program, errors, defects, judgment, requirements, deadlines, procedures, federal criminal defense.
