The Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and subsequent Pre-Sentence Investigation Report (PSR) is without doubt the most dominant and definitive document used by the Court in determining a defendant’s federal prison sentence. The PSI belongs to the defendant “Bible”, the story of his life seen through the eyes of the probation officer who wrote the report in conjunction with the Assistant Federal Prosecutor, AUSA, who is prosecuting the case. In addition to being critical in determining your federal prison sentence, the PSI is critically important with regard to federal prison BOP designation, security level, custody level, job assignments, bunk assignments, leave eligibility, restitution issues, community custody placement, inmate quality of life improvements. , the ability to turn yourself in, and admission into the 500-Hour Residential Drug Abuse Program, to name just a few.
These are precisely the issues that should vitally concern every federal defendant. The importance of PSI cannot be overstated. It follows the defendant throughout his entire period of incarceration in a federal prison. Anyone who thinks that PSI is impartial, fair and provides an accurate and unbiased report of the defendant is gravely mistaken.
The Pre-Sentence Investigation Report is written by a Probation Officer who works for the Federal Government. How can a defendant expect to get a fair and impartial report? The PSI often leans against the defendant in favor of the government and the prosecution. It is not only the duty of the defendant and her lawyer to ensure that errors, inaccuracies and falsehoods are corrected, it is his duty. All of these corrections must be completed prior to final submission of the PSI to the Court and the Bureau of Prisons. Unfortunately, many attorneys do not take the time or provide the necessary scrutiny to fully correct a defendant’s PSI. This can have far-reaching undesirable effects on the defendant’s sentence length, program eligibility, facility designation, security level, surrender eligibility and so many other factors an inmate faces every day in a prison. federal prison.
The solution to this dilemma is for the defendant to hire someone who is very knowledgeable about federal prison issues, programs, policies, and procedures, and who has experienced federal prison life. The defendant should hire someone who has actually gone through the entire process. This is someone who knows the “ins and outs” of the federal prison system. The solution is to hire a competent, experienced and knowledgeable federal prison counselor. A competent federal correctional counselor will prepare the defendant for the important pre-sentence investigative interview and even accompany him if his attorney is unable to do so. It is vitally important that the defendant does not go alone to this interview.
The defendant must be informed, honest, in complete control of the facts, and not omit any required information. The probation officer will request personal information, including the defendant’s full name, aliases, social security number, date of birth, current and former address, family history, medical history, educational history, degrees earned, schools attended, and educational associations. He will ask about his professional associations, civic life history, civic organizations, physical and mental well-being, and substance abuse history detailing drug and alcohol use. He will ask about his current crime and verify everything he is told. He will investigate any prior criminal history, DUIs, and even speeding tickets. He will investigate family relationships by speaking with the defendant’s sons, daughters, spouse, mother, and father. He will review relationships with therapists, clergy, professional and financial associates, and friends. He’ll want current financial information, including all assets, bank and savings accounts, brokerage accounts, property, cars, IRAs, 401-Ks, business ownership information, and business partners, among other things.
A good Federal Prison Consultant knows the type and scope of information the parole officer requests and requires in writing the PSR. It is always the same. All PSI interviews, regardless of the federal district in which they take place, follow a very similar pattern and direction. The requested information is always the same. A knowledgeable Federal Prison Consultant prepares the client for this important interview. They know what will be asked and they prepare their clients for those questions. The information given to the US Parole Officer must be complete, truthful, and factual. Knowing ahead of time what questions you will be asked allows you to prepare complete, truthful, and factual answers. There are no surprises.
Life in a federal prison is hard enough. There is no reason to make it more difficult by allowing an inaccurate, incomplete, biased, and biased Pre-Sentence Investigation Report to be submitted to the Sentencing Judge and the Bureau of Prisons.