How Does Federal Sentencing Work?

How Does Federal Sentencing Work?

The federal sentencing guidelines are the rules that set the sentencing policy for defendants convicted of committing federal crimes under the United States Federal Court System. The guidelines were initially created in 1987. The guidelines have set out a clear calibration of sentences depending on the veracity of crime committed. It is the role of the judge to scrutinize the crimes committed and compare them with the guidelines provided to determine the sentencing for the defendant. These guidelines are however not mandatory. However, if a judge decides to use his or her own discretion instead of following the guidelines, he or she must explain what factors made him come to that decision. If it is a sentence increase or decrease, there must be a clear reason why it was done.

If you are convicted of a federal crime or someone close to you has been convicted either through a trial or pleading guilty, it is necessary to know how the sentence to be handed over will be arrived at. For a federal crime, judges must follow the federal sentencing guidelines. The guidelines are created by an independent commission known as the Sentencing Commission and set the sentencing that different federal crimes should carry. As a convict, it is important to understand the sentencing that you will probably get so that you can decide whether it is admissible or an appeal is required.

The federal sentencing guidelines were created after the Congress passed the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 to create a standard sentencing manual that will be used by all judges. There was concern that judges from different jurisdictions where rendering too lenient and others too much sentencing. The manual award points depending on factors such as the defendants a criminal history, how the crime was committed, and the type of crime committed. A defendant who gets one point only is given the minimum sentencing of six months in jail, and one who grades the maximum 43 points automatically receives a life sentence. Although the guidelines are meant to be mandatory, some judges consider them too harsh or too rigid to be applied in practice.

The federal sentencing guidelines are therefore considered as advisory and not mandatory. What this means is that judges can consult the manual, but they do not have to impose a sentence based on it. Also, under the federal sentencing guidelines, a judge is not allowed to enhance a sentence. Enhancement is only permitted when the defendant accepts to have committed a crime, or a grand jury has verified that the charges were true. For instance, a judge may enhance sentencing for a defendant who confesses injuring a person in the process of committing another crime. In this case, the defendant must have agreed that the injury occurred or a jury concluded the defendant caused the injury.

When a federal judge is making considerations on the sentence to hand over to a convict, some factors need to be taken into account. What is the criminal record of the defendant? If a person has never been convicted in the past for criminal case, they are likely to get shorter sentencing. However, if the defendant has committed lots of crime in the past, the history will be used to hand over longer sentencing.

The judge must also look at the crime committed. For instance, if a defendant was involved in bank fraud, they will look at other cases involving fraud and they will try to show whether the current case is adverse or lenient.

The judges will also consider whether the defendant was convicted through trial or after a guilty plea. A different who has pleaded guilty is likely to enjoy a few points deducted based on the federal sentencing guidelines. However, if a crime affected many victims, the chances are that the judges will add the points resulting in longer sentencing. So as a defendant, you are supposed to work with a seasoned attorney who understands the basic framework of the law and will help you in getting the most deserved sentencing.

Appeal and withdraw of a guilty plea

Under the federal criminal system, a defendant is allowed to withdraw a guilty plea or even appeal a case after conviction. However, there are guidelines that must be observed when the courts are deciding whether to allow withdrawal of a guilty plea to happen. Such a move should be made within a short time after the guilty plea has been made and the defendant proves beyond reasonable doubt that the guilty plea was made out of an error. Factors such as the innocence of the defendant or a change in law are considered when a withdrawal of a guilty plea is being heard. For an appeal, the defendant must file a notice of appeal within ten days after conviction and then provide a written brief within 30 days. The prosecution will also have 30 days to respond to the appeal before the appellate judges start to hear the case.

EXCELLENT Based on 362 reviews.

Charle Butler

2021-03-12

Verified

I was hesitant to hire the Spodek Law Group. I read reviews and knew they have a great reputation. However, I thought I would spend money and not see or speak to my attorney. From the beginning to end of my case Todd and the entire staff were available and willing to help. We worked towards and end result that was way above my expectation and Todd delivered. I am forever grateful for patience and long days and night spent working on my case. Thanks Todd and the entire team!

Mesonista parsons

2021-03-05

Verified

My attorney at Spodek was Abigail. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions and concerns, as well as responsive. Her fees are affordable and Abigail took the time to make sure I understood everything relating to my case. I highly recommend Abigail and will request her services in the future.

debabrata chakraborty

2021-03-03

Verified

Todd A Spodek is the experienced and best criminal lawyer at USA. He is very professional and always respond on time. Alex also very cooperative and always help me. They took care me and my problem like family member. I am 100% satisfied for their professional service. My result was unexpected and amazing. They dismissed my case. I am really grateful to them. I will recommend you to go there if you want to solve your problem. I wish all the best for them.

Asata Hendricks

2021-03-02

Verified

Truly appreciate the work the guys did!. Exceptional team & I know they care about each and everyone of their clients. I am super thankful to be referred to Spodek Law Group and I am grateful Todd & Alex were able to work diligently to achieve an outcome I am pleased with. Despite COVID they stayed on top of things and kept me informed every step of the way. Very thankful.

Mike Moroff

2021-02-26

Verified

I'm very satisfied with the services rendered by Todd, Alex and Mary Lou. I whole heartedly recommend Spodek Law Group . I've worked with and have retained other attorneys in the past with Todd's firm being the cream of the crop for many reasons. A very serious legal matter was resolved after a year's hard work and effort. Todd expertly guided me through the process and was able to navigate and make the good journey bearable as well as successful. Mary Lou initially provided excellent assistance before referring my case to Todd. Alex's support was effective and timely. The customer portal (MyCase) is an invaluable communication tool that also kept track of my case. Various aspects of my case were explained and there were several options provided but I made the final decision of how the case would be handled. The legal fee was reasonable considering the effort and amount of work plus it was a flat fee regardless of the length of time required to conclude my case. Todd made himself available to me and we had many scheduled meetings to go over the progress and to discuss the next steps. I felt more confident after many discussions with him. You will not go wrong choosing Spodek Law Group for legal matters.

Josh Katz

2021-02-24

Verified

Being that it was the first time that I was in need of an attorney, I was afraid and hesitant and knew I needed the absolute best. It is beyond understood why Spodek Law Group has a reputation of being the top, if not the best law firm in New York. Alex and Abigail were there every step of the way even at the most unconvenient hours. I could not have asked for more. They are extremely good at what they do and they delivered much much more than just winning my case. A big thank you to Alex and Abigail for all the guidance and counseling and their upmost loyal support that extended far more than just legally. If you need the absolute best than don't hesitate to hire Spodek Law Firm.

L.C.

2021-02-24

Verified

I cannot tell you how thankful I am to Todd and Alex for their hard work and dedication to my case. I had never been in any trouble before but I had an unfortunate event occur and in the midst of COVID-19 at that therefore I knew I needed a team that was dedicated to my success. Today- my case has been finalized and I’m walking away with no record and can continue life as a mother and a Grad student worry free. I cannot express enough gratitude for their assistance.

AnnMarie Soliman

2021-02-23

Verified

I received a summons and called Spodek law group for a free consultation. Alex took my call and was very quick and responsive. He was available anytime through multiple platforms and very reassuring when needed. They are extremely organized and thorough. They got my case dismissed! I’m very grateful. Thank you Alex and Todd!