what is the defence attorney discuss with probation officer for presentence report

by Lauren Larson 10 min read

It reflects the officer's calculation of the sentencing guidelines, discuss sentencing departures and variances, the defendant's personal background, and nature and circumstances of the offense. The probation officer also proposes a sentence to the judge. The presentence report is electronically filed 35-days prior to the sentencing hearing.

The probation officer requests from the prosecutor copies of the investigative reports, charge sheet, and their position on the case. The defense attorney is contacted to provide any supportive documentation that the probation officer should consider as well as schedule a physical interview with the defendant.Jan 8, 2021

Full Answer

What is a probation presentence report?

the task of conducting presentence investigations to the U.S. Probation Office, and this guide has been prepared to provide defense attorneys practicing in the Western District of North Carolina with information about the U.S. Probation Office and the presentence process.

What happens after a presentence interview with a probation officer?

Mar 18, 2021 · During the presentence reporting period – the time when all the data is being gathered – the defense attorney will attempt to paint the best picture possible for the defendant. This might include detailing good things they have done, collecting statements from friends, families, and employers about the overall nature of a person, and then transmitting that …

Why is the presentence report important to the defense?

Oct 07, 2017 · Defendants should expect the probation officer to have familiarized himself with the case prior to the initial interview. The probation officer will have communicated with the prosecuting attorney, checked on criminal history, and possibly spoken with victims prior to the initial meeting. The probation officer will ask a series of questions.

What happens during a presentence investigation?

Feb 13, 2017 · First the court orders the defendant to go through the Presentence Investigation process. The defense attorney contacts the United States Probation Office to ensure the referral is made and a date is set for a U.S. Probation Officer to meet with their client. The U.S. Probation Officer will schedule a meeting to interview the defendant.

What information is included in the presentence investigation report?

Rule 32 goes onto state the presentence report must contain the following information: "The defendant's history and characteristics including any prior criminal record, the defendant's financial condition, any circumstances affecting the defendant's behavior that may be helpful in imposing sentence or in correctional ...

What is a probation officer's role as it relates to a presentence report?

The probation officer assesses the impact of the plea agreement on the guideline sentence by comparing the guidelines applicable under the plea agreement with the guidelines that would apply if the defendant were to plead to all counts.

What information is found in a presentence report and what is the purpose of the presentence report?

The presentence investigation report has been called the most important document in the Federal criminal process. While its main purpose is to help the court in determining an appropriate sentence, it has continuing importance in decisionmaking after the conviction.

What is a presentence investigation report and what kind of information does this document typically contain?

It is the report of the investigation conducted to find out the history including the educational, criminal, family, and social background of a person convicted of a crime. It summarizes for a court the background information needed to determine the appropriate sentence.

How many days is the preparation of probation officer to report his investigation?

sixty daysPeriod for Submission of Investigation Report. The probation officer shall submit to the court the investigation report on a defendant not later than sixty days from receipt of the order of said court to conduct the investigation.

Does the judge listen to probation?

Especially in felony and more serious misdemeanor cases, judges typically rely on presentence reports, prepared by probation officers, in making sentencing decisions.

Can a pre sentence report have an impact on your sentence?

If a pre-sentence report is ordered in your case, you will have an interview with a probation officer who then writes the report on you. For obvious reasons it is important to cooperate with the preparation of the report as otherwise this can have a negative impact on the sentence you are given.

What is the function of probation officers?

to administer the parole and probation system. to exercise supervision over parolees, pardonees and probationers. to promote the correction and rehabilitation of criminal offenders.Mar 1, 2022

Are pre sentence reports important?

Why is a Pre Sentence Report important? Your Pre Sentence Report will help the Judge to decide on the most suitable sentence for you. The person writing your Pre Sentence Report will explain all the different sentences to you.

What is PSIR probation?

- If the Trial Court finds that the application is in due form and the applicant appears to be qualified for the grant of probation, it shall order the City or Provincial Parole and Probation Office within its jurisdiction to conduct a Post-Sentence Investigation (PSI) on the applicant and submit the Post-Sentence ...

What elements can affect granting of probation?

The final model contained the variables sex, work status, marital status, prior felonies, and conviction offense, which were statistically significant and cited as the best predictors of probation outcome.

What would be the duty of the court after receipt of the application for probation?

“The trial court shall, upon receipt of the application filed, suspend the execution of the sentence imposed in the judgment. “This notwithstanding, the accused shall lose the benefit of probation should he seek a review of the modified decision which already imposes a probationable penalty.Nov 26, 2015

What is a Presentence Investigation Report?

A Presentence Investigation Report, commonly known as a PSI in state court, is a document that judges use to help assess a defendant’s punishment f...

Why is a PSI Ordered?

The primary reason PSIs are ordered is to present the sentencing judge with information to consider about the offender’s life and character. It als...

When is a PSI Ordered?

A PSI is not ordered in every case – only those in which the judge is assessing punishment. For example, a PSI will not be ordered if the punishmen...

Who Conducts and Writes a Presentence Investigation Report?

A probation officer conducts and prepares the PSI. The officer will interview the defendant and may also speak with others affiliated with the case...

What is Included in a PSI?

Depending on the offense, these reports can be rather voluminous. A Pre-sentence Investigation Report must address the circumstances of the offense...

How is a PSI Used by a Judge?

The judge will receive the PSI prior to the defendant’s sentencing hearing. He or she will review it and take the information into consideration wh...

Does Anyone Else See or Use the PSI?

It’s important to point out that Presentence Investigation Reports are confidential and not considered public records. However, it can be utilized...

Can You Prepare for a PSI?

Understanding the significance of a PSI is the first step to making a good impression. Make sure you arrive on time to the appointment with the pro...

Resources

  • In addition to the information gleaned from these sources, most probation presentence reports also provide:
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Purpose

  • Good defense lawyers make sure that the probation officer preparing the report hears about all the good things the defendant has done and is doing. For example, if the defendant has enrolled in an addiction treatment or counseling program or has an employer willing to say nice things about him, a defense attorney will transmit that information to the probation officer. Its importan…
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Issue

  • Probation officers often question defendants very closely. An officer is likely to want to know a defendants: The defendant should come to the interview prepared to talk about these topics. Whenever possible, the defendant should bring documents that provide these facts (for example, a letter from an employer or military discharge papers). The defendant also should be prepared t…
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Significance

  • Judges typically dont have time to investigate the circumstances of individual cases, so they usually rely heavily onand often rubber-stampsentencing recommendations in presentence reports. For this reason, it is important for the defendant to make a positive impression on the probation officer preparing the report.
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Advantages

  • Defense lawyers, well aware of the limitations under which many probation officers work, often take a number of steps to try to ensure that a judge is aware of information favorable to the defendant. Defense lawyers can:
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Sources

  • This article was excerpted from The Criminal Law Handbook, by Paul Bergman, J.D., and Sara J. Berman, J.D.
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