Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Suggestions to help prepare for federal sentencing.

My brother will be sentenced (9-12 yrs.) for a drug related federal crime in Sept. and I wanted to know what we should do in terms of preparing, like obtaining character reference statements from family/friends asking the judge for some sort of leniency or any other suggestions that might help. Would it be helpful if family members were there to show support?

I would also like to know whether it is possible for the judge to give more or less than 9-12 years? He has no prior criminal record and has been on bond for over a year. If anyone could please offer any suggestions on what we should expect and what we should do to prepare for this day, I would greatly appreciate it.


Asked on 8/25/05, 6:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Suggestions to help prepare for federal sentencing.

Can't you ask his lawyer? (Surely your family hired a private lawyer and didn't abandon him to the public defender.) Normally in the Federal system the sentence is determined by the Sentencing Guidelines and the judge has little discretion. Smart defendants with good lawyers 1) know how to get the best presentence report possible and 2) ask for preferred federal prison placement -- there is even a book called a defense lawyer's guide to federal prisons.

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Answered on 8/26/05, 2:30 am


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