NCJ Number
130774
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Two checklists outline the information an attorney should provide when referring a client to a sentencing service as well as the information the attorney should expect in return following such a referral.
Abstract
Information to be provided to a sentencing service includes: client's address, telephone number, and/or jail location; a request to the sentencing support center to interview the defendant and obtain information on behalf of the defense attorney; a statement of charges and the maximum and minimum penalties legally available under the charges against the client; police reports describing allegations against the defendant; available client background information; and client's criminal history. A defense attorney should expect the following response after referring a defendant to a sentencing service: notification of whether the center can accept the referral, a call from the case developer to begin discussion about the client and periodic discussions with the case developer about sentencing strategy and acceptable and appropriate conditions of punishment, a request for clearance if there is to be any approach to the victim or witnesses of the offense by the case developer, a written sentencing plan, witnesses for informal or formal sentencing hearings, and testimony of case developer or sentencing worker at sentencing if required.