Oct. 7, 2025 — A federal judge in Florida has issued an order granting a motion for compassionate release for Bruce Harrison, reducing his sentence to time served. Mr. Harrison is represented by Erin McCampbell Paris, an appellate and constitutional litigation attorney at Maurice Wutscher LLP.
Mr. Harrison, 73, was sentenced in 1995 to a 49-year term of imprisonment for narcotics trafficking and firearm convictions. He has served over 30 years of his sentence, which was the result of the harsh and mandatory sentencing laws in place in the 1990s as part of the “War on Drugs.”
“Mr. Harrison’s sentence was substantially higher than what murderers received at that time, and, to this day, remains one of the longest sentences imposed for all inmates in federal custody,” Ms. Paris said. “The sentencing laws have since changed, and if he were sentenced today for the same convictions, he likely would receive 30 years or less.”
Mr. Harrison has a remarkable record on rehabilitation. He took dozens of courses, became certified to counsel fellow inmates, and held numerous jobs in prison, including positions that required conflict resolution.
However, while in custody, Mr. Harrison’s health has substantially deteriorated.
“Compassionate release allows judges to do justice when presented with compelling circumstances like these. Unfortunately, ordinarily, these motions are denied. I am so thrilled that the judge was able to see that Mr. Harrison was deserving of a second chance,” Ms. Paris said.
Erin McCampbell Paris focuses her practice on Appellate and Constitutional Litigation, representing individuals and companies in complex criminal and civil matters. In helping her clients to secure hard-won victories, she draws on her extensive litigation experience, as well as her experience as a former law clerk to federal district and circuit judges.