Federal Presentence Investigation Reports If you are awaiting sentencing in federal court, one document will shape what happens next more than almost anything else: the federal presentence investigation report, commonly called the "PSR" or "PSI." We have seen this document determine whether someone receives probation or years in federal prison. We have seen it affect security classification, program eligibility, [...]
Criminal History and Federal Sentencing If you or someone you love is being prosecuted in federal court, one of the first questions you probably have is: "How much time am I really looking at?" In federal court, the answer often depends heavily on your criminal history. At our Miami criminal defense firm, we regularly represent clients in federal cases [...]
Relevant Conduct in Federal Sentencing If you are facing federal charges in Miami, you might assume your sentence will be based only on the specific offense listed in your indictment. That assumption can cost you years. Under the concept of relevant conduct in federal sentencing, a judge may consider far more than just the conduct underlying the count of [...]
Federal Plea Agreements If you're facing federal criminal charges in South Florida, you're likely overwhelmed. Federal prosecutors do not file cases casually. When the United States government indicts you — whether for drug trafficking, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, firearm offenses, or another federal crime — the stakes are extremely high. In many federal cases, the prosecution offers a [...]
Acceptance of Responsibility in Federal Sentencing When you’re facing federal charges in Miami, or anywhere in the Southern District of Florida, one of the most important sentencing questions is whether you qualify for a reduction for Acceptance of Responsibility. Under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, this adjustment can reduce your offense level by up to three levels — and [...]
Role Adjustments in Federal Sentencing When you’re facing federal charges in Miami or anywhere in the Southern District of Florida, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, “What am I realistically looking at?” Your sentencing exposure often turns on the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and few parts of those guidelines matter more than role adjustments. Role adjustments can [...]
Cooperation Agreements and 5K1.1 Motions: What You Should Know Before You Talk to the Feds When you or someone close to you is facing a federal investigation, you'll likely hear terms such as cooperation agreement, substantial assistance, and 5K1.1 motion. These concepts shape how federal cases are negotiated and how sentences are ultimately decided, yet many people misunderstand how [...]
Federal Sentencing Departures and Variances: Getting Below the Guidelines If you or a loved one is facing federal charges in Miami—or anywhere in the Southern District of Florida—you’ve probably already heard about the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. For many people, seeing that initial guideline calculation is one of the most intimidating moments in the case. The numbers can feel overwhelming, [...]
Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines When you’re facing a federal criminal charge—whether it’s fraud, drug trafficking, firearm possession, or anything else in the federal system—you quickly find out that the process looks nothing like state court. One of the biggest differences? The Federal Sentencing Guidelines. If you or someone you care about is under investigation or has been indicted, [...]
New Federal Sentencing Guidelines: What Amendment 821 Means for Your Case in Miami If you or a loved one are facing federal charges in Miami—or are already serving a federal sentence—the rules of the game have recently changed. The United States Sentencing Commission implemented Amendment 821 to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines effective November 1, 2023. These updates aren’t just [...]
