“Tess has been invaluable to me in several cases. Given the new federal sentencing landscape, attorneys who do not have someone like Tess on their team are operating at a real disadvantage. Tess produces excellent work and is a pleasure to work with.” – Barry Boss, Esq.
Conducts a detailed interview with the client obtaining a lengthy social history while focusing on relevant 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) factors. Interviews family members, co-workers, therapists and others who have experienced the client’s strengths and can provide statements regarding the client’s positive characteristics. Facilitates the collection of character reference letters.
Prepares a comprehensive social history letter/report for the probation officer which is also utilized by mental health evaluators, substance abuse evaluators, and is later used as an outline for the sentencing memorandum and is often attached to the sentencing memorandum.
Assists counsel in determining whether a psychological evaluation, substance abuse evaluation, or medical evaluation would be beneficial in enlightening the court as to what factors led to the client’s involvement in the offense and how such factors warrant consideration for a sentence below the guideline range.
Contacts the probation officer in advance of the presentence interview to introduce herself and notify the probation officer that she will be sending a letter detailing the client’s social history and mitigating factors in advance of the presentence interview. Acts as a liaison with the probation officer throughout the sentencing process.
- Represents counsel at the probation presentence interview to assist the client in assuring that the process goes smoothly.
Provides expertise in responding to the draft presentence report assuring that it contains all relevant information. Information contained in the presentence report significantly impacts the client’s sentence, eligibility for programs, as well as designation and classification if incarcerated in the Bureau of Prisons.
- Assists counsel in preparation of the sentencing memorandum and appears with counsel at sentencing.