Sentencing Investigations

Client Information

IMAGINE the use of special teams as an advantage in best defending your case. As with all professions, no one can expect a practitioner to be an expert in all areas. Case in point, a family practice doctor would not be expected to undertake an organ transplant procedure, joint replacement surgery nor perform a delicate brain operation. This is not to say a doctor would be incapable of doing so, in reality, the amount of time, practice, training and experience required to be proficient in each discipline would be unrealistic. As the saying goes: "Jack of all trades, master of none".

DEFENSE ATTORNEYS are specialists, in their specific area of practice. While in law school, they are first taught how to think, like an attorney, and then immersed in the legal aspects of their profession. Law schools provide little or no training in the area of sentencing schemes, rules of court, alternative sentencing and options to incarceration.

Sentencing Investigations provides top-notch law practices and public defenders with the highest standard of legal representation by developing sentencing options for judges that fall between incarceration and traditional probation along with great customer support - a combination that can't be beat!

SENTENCING CONSULTANTS are specialists, as well, in their area of expertise. A vigorous defense would be incomplete without having a private sentencing investigation and report. A private sentencing report focuses on the CLIENT rather than the CRIME, which was allegedly committed. In doing so, the court and prosecutor will have a much clearer picture as to the reasons and factors which brought the client to that point in their lives leading up to the alleged circumstances. These investigations do not offer excuses nor assign blame. The sentencing consultant offers explanations, well grounded and supported with studies and research in the fields of forensic social work, psychology, criminology, medical and related disciplines.

Sentencing Investigations provides specialized, innovative and leading-edge creative work, in Alternative Sentencing, Criminal Defense Investigations and Court Reports along with unparalleled client support and service.

Sentencing Consultants also have many years of extensive training and experience in the application of the rules of court, sentencing schemes, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the application of unusual circumstances, compelling use of the Romero Discussion to strike strikes, PC 1385 arguments (presenting information in such a manner for the judge to consider the dismissal of non-strikable charges) and presenting the criteria as to grant or deny probation so the court may give every consideration to a LESSER SENTENCE or even PROBATION rather than PRISON.

Sentencing Consultants spend a great deal of time researching, finding, learning and networking with programs and those individuals who provide alternatives to incarceration. Committing someone to a life in a concrete cell with metal bars is a "no-brainer" for the court and prosecution. With little time or effort, these "safe" sentences address the issues of community safety, scrutiny from the press and potential outrage from victims and the public.

Conversely, a Sentencing Consultant presents reasoned alternatives and the rationale as to a sentence, which would include a lesser punishment. In doing so, the sentencing process changes from simply a "safe" and "no-brainer" decision to a reasoned one. Essentially, the objective is to get the court to "think outside the box" of jail/prison to more constructive, creative and rehabilitative options while still considering community safety and restorative justice for the victims rather than a sentence of vengeance.

It is an established fact the information and recommendations contained in the Probation Sentencing Report is used 80% or more of the time by the Court. The chilling aspect to this is the Court is presented with only one side of the story, which is rarely favorable to the defense and especially, the client. A private sentencing report not only tells the other side of the story but also effectively responds to the information and recommendations in the Probation Sentencing Report.

First Impressions are everything. As is the case when someone is staring down the barrel of the justice system. Just the images of the very words of felon, convict, parolee, prisoner, defendant and rap sheet immediately taints the picture of an individual. Even the size of a case file often times creates impressions of looser, career criminal, hopelessness, drug-addict & the list goes on and on.

As one knows well, changing these first impressions can be very a daunting and challenging undertaking. This is the very core and purpose of what a sentencing consultant does as a member of the defense team. If your defense attorney has not considered bringing a qualified sentencing consultant aboard the defense team, perhaps this should be considered. The stakes could not be higher for you and all others who are affected by the outcome in court.

Sentencing Investigations believes the involvement of the client and their family is crucially important in providing the best possible defense.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, ACCESSIBILITY & AVAILABILITY is the cornerstone with Sentencing Investigations. Sentencing Investigations uses private investigators that are qualified and licensed through the Bureau of Consumer Affairs with the State of California as private investigators. In doing so, Sentencing Investigations has access to any and all referrals in or out of custody at any time, day or night.