Federal Sentencing
The United States Sentencing Commission is responsible for writing and publishing sentencing guidelines governing all federal crimes. Oftentimes, the only issue in a federal criminal case and the difference between years or decades in prison, or probation is a lawyer who understands all aspects of the sentencing guidelines. If you have been arrested, charged, or are under investigation for any federal offense, the first thing your lawyer needs to do is go over the sentencing guidelines with you. This should be done at your very first meeting with the lawyer. It is not taking a defeatist approach for you to find out what the stakes are, and what you are really facing.
Oftentimes, especially in the pre-indictment phase, a good lawyer can influence the charging decision, and minimize or lessen the sentencing exposure, before a case even gets filed.
There is no such thing as looking at the guidelines too soon, and too often, they are looked at too late. Even if you already have a lawyer, you need to know the risks, and, if you are facing sentencing, it is especially important to add a second member of the team, to focus solely on this issue. Although it is discretionary, federal judges are allowed to recommend location, and types of placement, for people facing incarceration. All of this needs to be considered, and promptly when facing the power of the federal government.
Attorney Marcus Barnett has a great deal of experience with federal sentencing guidelines. He truly “knows the score,”, and can tell you where you score, and where you stand. We are available 24/7/365.