In 2014 I plead guilty to securities fraud. After I plead guilty I went to the Marshalls office to be processed, from there it was time for my Pre Sentence Interview. I had no idea what to expect on that day. I knew I was pleading guilty that was all. After I left the Marshalls my attorney brought me to probation. For me, it was all pretty easy. My attorney had recently retired from the US Attorneys Office and had a long-standing relationship with the probation officer who was going to interview me. I believe because of his relationship he did not feel as though a lot of preparation was needed. But for someone who did not have the type of attorney that I had, I believe prep for the meeting is vital. You are talking about the most important interview of your life. In this interview, your freedom, or the amount of freedom that is going to be taken from you is at stake. When you meet the probation officer in most cases they will only have the US Attorneys charging documents and your DOJ press release as a reference point to know anything about you. From this information and the interview with you, the probation officer will make his recommendation to the judge on what he feels your sentence should be. Two things that may make your interview successful. First, provide the judge with a personal narrative. This is a document that will detail your life story especially factors that lead to the crime you are charged with. This will give the probation officer a chance to know you and your entire life story. He is most likely to include this in his recommendation to the judge, so the judge will also get a chance to know more about you. Second, if you have a substance abuse history you can let your probation officer know the details. If your substance abuse is within 12 months of your indictment he can recommend you for the residential drug and alcohol program. If you complete the program you may be eligible for a sentence reduction of up to 1 year and 6 months in a halfway house.
This interview is incredibly important to you and your family. Your preparation may determine how much prison time you serve, where you serve it, and how soon you return to your family.
If you have not had your PSI and would like help with preparation call or email me to discuss
Coleman Flaherty
781-690-5077
