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ABOUT TESS

TESS LOPEZ, FEDERAL SENTENCING EXPERT

Tess Lopez is a federal sentencing expert. She has decades of experience in federal sentencing, giving her an unmatched and nuanced understanding of 18 U.S.C. 3553(a), the statute that governs sentencing proceedings. She helps attorneys create detailed strategies to highlight pertinent mitigating issues, assuring their clients receive the lowest possible sentences.

Nationwide federal defense attorneys have relied on Tess for over 10 years to assist with every detail of the sentencing process — from plea negotiations through sentencing. She’s developed an expertise in recognizing the right types of supporting information, like psych evaluations, medical records or meaningful character letters, and their impact on the sentencing process.

Tess also pulls from her experience as a probation officer, having spent years developing a keen sense of what judges are looking for when fashioning an appropriate sentence.

Now, Tess is helping attorneys present a 365-degree view of their clients to the sentencing judge. She finds the most compelling mitigating factors to support a strong sentencing recommendation.

TESS HAS BEEN INVALUABLE TO ME — SHE QUICKLY BECOMES AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DEFENSE TEAM, AND HELPS KEEP THE CLIENT ENGAGED IN THE SENTENCING PROCESS.

- Barry Boss, Esq., Cozen O'Connor

UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO HELP

Tess's combination of superb interviewing experience, up-to-date knowledge of on-going changes to sentencing guidelines and keen eye for supporting documents makes her an unmatched expert in 3553(a) issues, and uniquely qualified to help attorneys create a convincing sentencing recommendation.

THE RIGHT PERSONALITY

Tess has 26 years of experience interviewing individuals facing sentencing in federal court. As a result, she has developed a unique ability to empathize with clients and to build a solid rapport. This allows her to discover underlying mitigating factors, such as possible psychological conditions or previously undisclosed abuse, that could easily be missed by someone without her background and experience.

THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS

Tess is extremely active in the federal sentencing community. She is Co-Chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section’s Sentencing Committee, and a member of the US Sentencing Commission’s Practitioner’s Advisory Group, which means she is always up to speed on guideline changes, policy issues and amendments.

THE RIGHT STRATEGY

Tess will take the lead in assessing information obtained from interviews with collateral contacts, and make clear recommendations for evaluations or additional documentation needed to complete her 3553(a) analysis. With the right evaluations and properly worded character letters in place, she’s positioned to help defense teams come up with a winning strategy for the lowest possible sentence.

THE RIGHT PROCESS

With her years of experience, Tess has developed a unique process to influence success. She can manage every detail of the sentencing strategy, from preparation of detailed history reports to analysis of 3553(a) issues. With Tess on their teams, attorneys have more time to focus on legal arguments, research relevant case law, prepare motions, and work with the AUSA.

THE RIGHT SENTENCE

Ultimately with Tess on the team, attorneys can present probation officers and the court a 365-degree view of the client, giving judges all of the relevant historical, social and verifying documentation needed to support a sentence that provides the minimum punishment necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.

Tess Lopez, Federal Sentencing Mitigation Specialist

They Said It


Noteworthy Mentions from Happy Clients

Eric M. Epstein, Esq. | Epstein Law Offices

“Tess Lopez  is extremely knowledgeable, very thorough, and her work is first rate. I sincerely believe that her contributions played a large part in our client receiving a sentence of probation and community service. On top of all that, she’s a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her.”

Mick Abye., Esq. | Sherman & Sterling, LLP

“Tess is an expert in her field that helped us navigate the sentencing process for a client. She helped us locate important facts and advised us concerning our dealings with the US Probation Office. I highly recommend her.”

Kaveh Miremadi, Esq. | Price Benowitz, LLP

“Tess is a great addition to any defense team. Not only is she passionate about what she does, she can help you identify mitigating factors that are difficult to spot.”

Edwin Vargas, Esq. | Vargas Law Firm Co., LPA

“Tess is a hard working, highly organized professional. Her understanding of the field is unsurpassed and her ability to work with clients is superb. I would hire Tess for every case if I could.”

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