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Federal Defense Sentencing Lawyers – An Overview

If you or a loved one have been charged with a federal crime, having an experienced federal defense sentencing lawyer on your side can make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of your case. Sentencing advocacy is a critical yet often overlooked part of defending federal criminal cases. This article provides an overview of federal sentencing laws and how a knowledgeable federal defense attorney can help advocate for the most favorable sentence possible under the circumstances.

Understanding Federal Sentencing Guidelines

After a conviction or guilty plea in a federal case, the next major phase is sentencing. Federal judges use the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to calculate the applicable sentencing range based on various factors pertaining to the offense and the defendant‘s criminal history. While the guidelines are advisory rather than mandatory after the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker in 2005, judges still refer to them in most cases. As such, having an attorney well-versed in the intricacies of the guidelines is invaluable.Some of the main things the guidelines take into account include:

• The nature of the offense and relevant conduct
• The loss or harm caused by the crime
• The defendant’s role in the offense
• Obstruction of justice
• Acceptance of responsibility
• Criminal history score

The guidelines provide sentencing ranges from probation up to life in prison depending on the offense level and criminal history category calculated. So where the defendant lands on the grid can mean years or even decades of difference in prison time.An experienced federal defense lawyer will thoroughly analyze the facts of the case to identify the applicable guidelines and any grounds for departure or variance from them. They will also present evidence and arguments regarding the 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) sentencing factors in advocating for the most lenient sentence warranted.

The Vital Role of Mitigation Investigation

A key part of this advocacy is the mitigation investigation and presentation of evidence regarding the history and characteristics of the defendant.As explained by attorney Amy Baron-Evans:

“Section 3553(a)(1) requires that the sentence be ‘sufficient, but not greater than necessary’ in light of ‘the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant.’ This inquiry focuses primarily on who the defendant is, and why she committed the offense.”

Preparing a convincing mitigation case requires digging deep into the defendant‘s background, including:

• Family history
• Trauma or abuse suffered
• Mental health issues
• Medical conditions
• Education history
• Employment history
• Civic and volunteer activities
• Support network of friends and family

Building a timeline of the defendant’s entire life enables the attorney to identify mitigating factors and piece together how various events contributed to the circumstances underlying the offense. This allows for a much more complete understanding of the defendant as an individual.The attorney compiles documentation, records, testimonials, and expert evaluations to incorporate into sentencing memorandums. They also work closely with the probation department in reviewing presentence reports to ensure accuracy and provide additional mitigating materials.Thorough mitigation evidence makes all the difference in humanizing the defendant and providing justification for a more lenient sentence. Rather than appearing as just an offender category, they become a real person with both good and bad qualities – someone deserving of compassion.

Additional Grounds for Sentencing Leniency

Beyond presenting mitigation evidence regarding the defendant’s personal history and characteristics, skilled federal defense lawyers explore any and all avenues under the law to argue for sentencing leniency.Some potential bases include:Departures from the GuidelinesAttorneys can argue that certain circumstances of the case justify a formal departure from the otherwise applicable guidelines. Grounds for downward departure may include:

• Overstated harm or loss amount
• Exceptional family circumstances
• Coercion or duress
• Diminished mental capacity
• Disproportionate impact of the guidelines

Variances from the GuidelinesVariances do not require legal justification like departures but rather appeal to the judge’s discretion after consideration of the 3553(a) factors. Grounds may include:

• Overly severe guidelines for the offense
• Disagreement with sentencing disparities or policies
• Unique circumstances not considered by the guidelines
• Extraordinary rehabilitation or good works

Safety ValvesCertain statutory “safety valves” allow for sentencing below mandatory minimums in drug cases given specific defendant criteria.Alternatives to IncarcerationDefense counsel may argue for alternatives to imprisonment as warranted based on the defendant’s situation, such as home confinement, community confinement, or probation with strict conditions.

Sentencing Hearing Presentation

At the sentencing hearing itself, federal defense lawyers have the opportunity to passionately argue for mitigation and leniency face-to-face to the judge. They reiterate the key points from the sentencing memorandum regarding the defendant’s history, admirable qualities, and capacity for rehabilitation.Attorneys further personalize the defendant and evoke compassion by having family, friends, employers, clergy, and other supporters speak on their behalf. Oftentimes having the courtroom filled with supportive observers can make an impression on the judge as well.Skilled federal defense sentencing advocates understand the nuances of each judge’s temperaments, policies, and pet peeves. They tailor their presentation and arguments accordingly to have the best chance of resonating and persuading.While there are no guarantees, even shaving months or years off a sentence can be hugely impactful on the defendant and their loved ones. Hence why sentencing advocacy is such a critical service provided by federal defense attorneys.

Finding the Best Federal Defense Sentencing Lawyer

If you or someone you care about is facing federal criminal charges, it’s critical to have an experienced sentencing lawyer fighting for you every step of the way. Don’t leave such high stakes in the hands of just any defense attorney. Make sure to retain counsel intimately familiar with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and all avenues for mitigation and leniency.When researching attorneys, look for ones who have a proven track record of favorable outcomes in federal sentencing. Ask specific questions about their experience handling sentencings for cases similar to yours. Request examples of sentencing memorandums they have filed to get a sense of their advocacy skills.Dedicated federal defense lawyers see sentencing as an integral part of trial preparation rather than an afterthought. They conduct thorough mitigation investigations and compile compelling evidence regarding the defendant’s life history from day one. And they passionately fight tooth and nail through sentencing memorandums, hearings, and appeals for the most favorable outcome possible.The bottom line is that sentencing advocacy can literally make the difference between years behind bars versus freedom. So if you or a loved one are facing federal charges, be sure to retain counsel with expertise in this critical area of defense. Consult with the experienced federal defense lawyers at Jensen Defense for a free case review and evaluation. With an aggressive sentencing advocacy strategy, we can give you or your loved one the greatest chance of minimizing incarceration and its life-altering consequences.

Resources

Videos

• What are Federal Sentencing Guidelines? – Short video overview of federal sentencing basics
• How Federal Sentencing Works – More in-depth look at the guideline calculation process

Articles

• Mitigation Evidence: What It is and Why It’s Critical – Overview of mitigation evidence and its importance
• How Judges Determine Criminal Sentencing – Insight into factors judges consider when imposing sentences

FAQs

• What is Considered Mitigating Evidence? – Examples of common types of mitigating evidence
• What are Grounds for Downward Departure at Sentencing? – Explanation of legal justifications for departing from standard sentencing guidelines