NCJ Number
124741
Journal
Criminal Law Bulletin Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: (July-August 1990) Pages: 291-304
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Sentencing advocacy in Federal courts can be an intricate business for the criminal defense practitioner faced with the complexities of the new Federal sentencing guidelines.
Abstract
The level of technical expertise attained by most attorneys has sometimes impaired the quality of advocacy offered to clients. It is certainly true that the other users of the guideline system -- prosecutors, judges, and probation officers -- have also been hampered by deficiencies in knowledge of and sophistication with the system. Nevertheless, the criminal defense bar could benefit from more information and training on the Sentencing Reform Act, its guidelines, and necessary strategies of sentencing advocacy. This article is intended to offer some structure and guidance for the criminal defense bar in advocating downward departures. 3 notes. (Publisher abstract)