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A presentence investigation report (PSIR) is a summary judges use to make sentencing decisions in felony and serious misdemeanor cases. Following conviction, this report will be prepared by a probation officer, created with input from the defendant and their defense attorney. Discover what the process of a PSIR entails and the factors that could affect sentencing.

How Does the Investigation Work?

If you’ve been convicted of a crime, your sentence will be based not only on the nature of the crime but also on other factors. After you’ve been charged, a probation officer will take several weeks to assess considerations such as prior convictions, accounts from friends and family members, and details provided by the arresting officer. The PRIS could also include information about the circumstances surrounding the crime and whether accomplices were involved or if you acted alone. Personal history details might also be considered, such as enrollment in a treatment program.

What Will the Questioning Entail?

defense lawyer Ashtabula County OHThe process will encompass a presentence interview with you to retrieve information to be included in the PRIS. A probation officer could question you on many different topics, including your prior criminal record (if applicable) and your reason for committing the crime. Be ready to answer questions that don’t pertain directly to the offense as well. The probation officer could ask you about your personal and family life, employment, education, health, drinking and drug use, and financial status, for instance.

How Do Defense Attorneys Help?

Your defense attorney may not be allowed to attend the presentence interview. Nonetheless, they will work hard to ensure the probation officer has ample information about all of your positive qualities to incorporate into the PRIS. Beyond enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program, for example, they might include positive feedback from your employer. They could also help you craft a compelling written statement to argue for a lighter sentence and coach you before your presentence interview so you don’t say anything that could be used against you in the PRIS.

 

If you’ve been arrested and need a dedicated defense attorney to help protect your rights, turn to Andrews & Pontius, LLC. This experienced and reliable firm has been serving Ashtabula County, OH, for over two decades and is committed to pursuing justice for each of their clients. See their full list of practice areas online, or call (440) 998-6835 to schedule a consultation.

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