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Federal Defense Sentencing Lawyers – An Advocate’s Guide

If you or a loved one is facing federal criminal charges, 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 is a critical stage of the criminal justice process, and federal sentencing guidelines and laws can be complex to navigate. This article provides an overview of key considerations in federal criminal defense sentencing from the perspective of a practicing lawyer.

Understanding Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal sentencing guidelines provide a framework for judges to determine prison sentences based on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. Established in 1987, the guidelines aim to create uniformity and proportionality in sentencing across federal courts. However, after the United States v. Booker decision in 2005, the guidelines were ruled advisory rather than mandatory. This means judges have more flexibility to make sentencing decisions outside of the guidelines.While no longer binding, the guidelines still carry significant influence. Familiarity with how these guidelines work is essential for federal defense lawyers in developing sentencing strategy. Key things we examine are the final offense level computation and the defendant‘s criminal history category. These two factors correspond to a sentencing range provided in the federal sentencing table.Common issues we negotiate include:

• Securing offense level reductions through mitigating role adjustments or acceptance of responsibility
• Arguing for variances from guidelines based on individual case factors
• Avoiding sentencing enhancements like those for loss amount or number of victims

Thorough investigation and sentencing advocacy can yield better outcomes even when the odds seem stacked against you. In one recent case our firm handled, we secured just 2 years probation for a client facing a guidelines range of 46-57 months in prison.

Using Sentencing Memorandums Effectively

Sentencing memorandums are a vital tool for federal defense lawyers to influence sentencing outcomes in their clients’ favor. These advocacy documents provide a means to formally present all relevant information to the judge on behalf of the defendant.Key strategies in crafting an impactful sentencing memorandum include:Humanizing the Defendant

• Share positive aspects of the defendant’s life story through letters of support from family, friends, employers etc.
• Convey redeeming qualities, responsibilities, and hopes for the future

Contextualizing the Offense Conduct

• Provide insight into what led to the criminal behavior, e.g. substance abuse issues, financial desperation
• Explain any mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense

Highlighting Sentencing Parity

• Contrast the proposed sentence with lesser sentences given to co-defendants or defendants in similar cases
• Argue how a probationary sentence or downward variance serves interests of justice

Compliance with §3553 Factors

• Address how a lower sentence promotes respect for the law, provides adequate deterrence, protects public safety and meets retributive needs

This multifaceted approach serves to reduce the presumed guideline range and ultimately achieve the most lenient sentence suitable based on the facts of the case.

Partnering with a Federal Probation Officer

Federal probation officers play a central role in gathering background information on the defendant and preparing the presentence investigation report that guides sentencing decisions. Developing an open and collaborative relationship with the probation officer allows defense lawyers to put the defendant’s best foot forward.Strategies for an effective working relationship include:

• Being proactive in providing relevant records related to mental health, employment, education, family issues etc.
• Reviewing the final PSR to object to any inaccurate or unsupported negative information
• Presenting our own sentencing recommendation report summarizing defense mitigation evidence

Probation’s sentencing recommendation carries weight with the court, so ensuring it presents a balanced view of the defendant is imperative.

Navigating the Sentencing Hearing

The sentencing hearing is the final opportunity for federal defense lawyers to influence the sentencing determination before the judge makes a decision. Key aspects to cover include:Review of Defense Sentencing Position

• Reiterate recommendation for a probationary sentence or downward variance along with justification
• Emphasize mitigating factors and other §3553 considerations raised in sentencing memo

Response to Government’s Recommendation

• Counter any assertions to support a harsher sentence under the guidelines
• Rebut claims that public safety requires incarceration

Client and Family Testimony

• Have the defendant express genuine remorse and responsibility for actions
• Present compelling stories from family on collateral consequences of incarceration

Expert Testimony

• Provide opinions from psychologists, employment counselors etc. to bolster mitigation arguments
• Qualified experts can strengthen the case for leniency significantly

When executed effectively, the multifaceted defense approach to sentencing serves to overcome prosecution objections, rebut probation recommendations, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for federal defendants.

Understanding Your Sentencing Options

Sentencing options in federal criminal cases generally involve some combination of imprisonment, fines, supervised release, and restitution. The length of incarceration is typically the focal point in sentencing negotiations. However, the other components can still significantly impact the overall severity of the sentence.

Imprisonment

The primary sentencing decision is whether incarceration is warranted and if so, the duration. Statutory minimum and maximum terms apply based on the offense. We aggressively argue for non-custodial probationary sentences whenever plausible under the circumstances. If some prison time is unavoidable, we advocate for the lowest term the judge will reasonably impose.

Fines

Substantial fines frequently accompany prison sentences under the guidelines. However, judges have discretion to reduce or even waive fines based on inability to pay. We present evidence on limited financial means to secure the least onerous fine permissible. No use burdening a client with impossible payment obligations.

Supervised Release

Post-incarceration supervision is mandated for most federal crimes. The length ranges generally from 1 to 5 years. We seek the minimum term appropriate, as longer supervision can lead to added imprisonment for violations. The conditions imposed also matter greatly from a rehabilitation standpoint.

Restitution

Restitution is intended to make victims financially whole, but ordered amounts often exceed any realistic ability to pay. We argue for the lowest restitution figure feasible based on actual documented losses. Where restitution poses severe hardship, we advocate for nominal periodic payments in lieu of lump sum.Balancing these interdependent components allows federal defense lawyers to mitigate the overall impact of sentencing, even where some period of imprisonment proves unavoidable.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Federal Case

As this discussion shows, federal sentencing involves complex guidelines, laws and procedures that extend well beyond determination of guilt. Having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who understands this process and can effectively advocate for the most favorable outcome is thus essential.In evaluating legal representation, important things to look for include:

Substantial Federal Criminal Defense Experience

• Track record of achieving better than expected sentences in prior federal cases
• Familiarity with policies and tendencies of local federal judges and prosecutors

Sentencing Mitigation Expertise

• Skills to uncover information useful for mitigation arguments
• Insight into what sentencing factors influence federal judges

Negotiation Abilities with Prosecution

• Aptitude for persuasive advocacy in plea negotiations
• Tenacity to argue dismissal of charges with shaky evidentiary basis

Rapport with Federal Probation

• Understanding of presentence process to collaborate on investigation
• Ability to object to unsupported negative information

The very best federal defense lawyers utilize their experience and expertise regarding federal sentencing procedures to craft compelling arguments that resonate with judges. They tenaciously negotiate to achieve the most positive result realistically attainable.