Preparation, Sentence Mitigation

PREPARING FOR YOUR PRESENTENCE INTERVIEW AND REPORT: PT II

WHEN DO YOU BEGIN PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW?

 

I’m Dr. Marc Blatstein. I’ve been where your clients are and am here to help them on their journey. With work, I got my license reinstated and my career back. While I can’t make promises, preparing for the PSI (Narrative, Release Plan, and Allocution) is critical for a successful journey; from my experience, it is both needed and helpful.

Quick answer: Yesterday! Why?

“It’s surprising how many otherwise competent attorneys ‘punt’ at the sentencing hearing.”
Federal Judge Patrick J. Schiltz 
“Don’t wait to think about sentencing advocacy,” since 99 percent of federal criminal clients will be facing sentencing, start preparing the case for sentencing early on.
Federal Judge Robert N. Scola 

Preparation for release (at least considering it) before their PSI is a start in the right direction. They may do something completely different, but having a Plan and Daily Routine for day 1 in prison as to what to expect is a good start.

My Takeaway: Prison is Temporary.

Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the Confidence you’ll need throughout this process.

Since you’ve heard that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete, with a 98% Conviction Rate.

  • Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.
  • The choices you make today – will make a better tomorrow.

The Release Plan I’ve divided into ‘6’ Parts:

Why? Because your Judge may ask you,

1.  Do you have anything to say?

2.  They may suggest they do not want to see you back in their Courtroom. Believe them. I didn’t listen, ask me.

  • Do you have a “Plan” to accomplish this?
  • These two “Openings” offer you the option to speak with your Judge – The Allocution.

Release Plan Part I)

Before your Presentence Interview (and is provided along with your Narrative to be woven into your Presentence Report), You’ve had time to think,

  • Humbled
  • Embarrassed
  • Regrets that I did – what I did

Release Plan Part II)

Before your Sentence Hearing (building and after giving more thought to your 1st Release Plan),

  • Humbled
  • Embarrassed
  • Regrets that I did – what I did
  • Allocution

Nervous is Normal. Provide your Allocution in either pre-written or video format.

If you feel that you may be too nervous to speak in court (during your conversation with your judge), you can provide your Allocation in written or video format before your PSI.

You are allowed to bring written notes into court with you.

1) Why is this a Good Idea?

  • First, being nervous is OK and normal.
  • More importantly, judges have been interviewed and quoted saying that they want to hear from you, the defendant, for many reasons,

2) They want to believe you’ve Accepted Responsibility for your actions.

3) They want to see that you have Remorse for the Pain you have inflicted on your Victims.

4) Judges understand crimes do not happen in a vacuum – what happened in your life that caused you to break the law?

5) What is your plan (Your Release Plan) not to return to their courtroom? My judge asked (actually told us, but I wasn’t listening).

6) What were the other ramifications, such as losing your professional license to practice in a career you love?

7) Well-written content accompanied by a short video is another great option that could be done cheaply with a smartphone (or professionally for $25-$35K).

8) Have you provided community service or volunteered in your community? If so, talk about it and ask for Character letters for verification.

Back to your Interview

  • Before submitting your materials to your Probation Officer, ensure they are proofread, organized, and submitted 1-2 weeks before your interview.
  • Your Probation Officer can copy and paste your written Narrative into their presentation report Worksheet while physically attaching the same original Narrative to your official presentation report.

Preparation for your Presentence Interview – is your Story (Autobiography or Your Personal Narrative).

To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my personal Cell, and I  answer and return all calls.

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