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FEDERAL CRIMINAL PRACTICE FALL 2009. Goal: Getting the Best Possible Sentence for Your Client. Tailor Your Strategy to Each Case. Focus on Three Phases: - Working with USPO - 18 USC § 3553 (a) Factors - Protecting the Record. FEDERAL CRIMINAL PRACTICE FALL 2009. Working with Probation:
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FEDERAL CRIMINAL PRACTICEFALL 2009 Goal: Getting the Best Possible Sentence for Your Client
Focus on Three Phases: - Working with USPO - 18 USC § 3553 (a) Factors - Protecting the Record
FEDERAL CRIMINAL PRACTICEFALL 2009 Working with Probation: Proactive Relationships with PSR Writers
Traditional Information Sources - Pretrial interview & financial affidavit - Discovery from the USAO - Reports Received after Releases Signed - Corroboration from Family members - Supplemental Statements from Victims/Witnesses
How Can We Help? Provide info & documents - “unverified” - how to get them to remove perjorative descriptions?
Keep them Objective: • Check their sources • Tactfully Show: • - Alternative Inferences/ • Conclusions/Opinions
“It is unclear whether Smith also possessed the guns located in the apt.” How do we get them to say that, rather than: “Smith is accountable for the gun in his pocket and the 7 guns found in the hall closet of the apartment.”
GOAL: - accurate, objective report - good as well as bad Part F. Factors that may warrant departure or variance
Start Early Don’t wait Until 1st Draft
FEDERAL CRIMINAL PRACTICEFALL 2009 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) And Sentencing Strategies
Four Areas: - Character Letters - Sentencing Memos - Courtroom Presentation - Client’s Allocution
Character Letters - which to submit? - what to include (photos)?
From Whom? Content? Length? Number to Collect & Send?
When? Content? Length? Resources?
- Networking - FPD, EDNC Website
Courtroom Presentation -whom should attend? -how much do you say?
Technology & Visual Aids - Simplicity - Easy to Use
Test Equipment In Advance Coordinate w/ Court Personnel
Client’s Allocution - when to prepare him/her - what to say - what not to say
Preserve the Sentence Preserve the Record