NCIA's Client Specific Planning group has extensive experience preparing clients for sentencing in Federal court. We have worked closely with the defense bar for 25 years, researching and investigating alternative sentencing options, sentencing mitigation theories and other ways to lessen the impact of incarceration on offenders and their families.

Since the inception of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in 1987, we have remained abreast of the frequent guideline amendments, the applicable case law that have developed around the guidelines and the emerging empirical studies (social, cultural, psychiatric) that lend themselves to arguments in support of departures from the guidelines. Additionally, we are intimately familiar with Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policy and practice; both through research of federal regulations and through communication with BOP staff, outside program personnel, and others, including current clients committed to the Bureau's custody and can assist clients after sentencing, providing Prison Advocacy services during confinement.

Federal cases typically include the following, as staff assist defense counsel and prepare a client for sentencing:

• Developing personal and professional background information and materials highlighting client's character for submission to the probation officer and/or the Court;
• Preparing client for the pre-sentencing investigation process and probation interview;
• Assisting with the development of a comprehensive sentencing memorandum or prepare an NCIA sentencing evaluation and report;
• Researching specific sentencing guideline questions and developing specific sentencing guideline arguments, including arguments for downward departure from the sentencing guidelines range;
• Reviewing, analyzing and assessing the draft Pre-Sentence Report (PSR). Assisting in preparing formal response to the PSR;
• Coordinating effort to obtain character reference letters and testimonials;
• If appropriate, developing a community-based sentencing alternative, and preparing materials for the court outlining our specific sentencing proposal with supporting documentation.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact: Herb Hoelter on 443.780.1311 or at HHoelter@ncianet.org

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