Philadelphia Lawyer — Sentencing Guideline Issues
Federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums can have a drastic effect on the lives of people convicted of federal crimes. But, Philadelphia attorney Hope C. Lefeber uses over 25 years of experience to achieve the lowest sentences for her clients.
When you have been charged with a federal crime, including a white collar crime or drug offense, your lawyer's familiarity with the consequences of a conviction is critical to developing a solid defense strategy. An in-depth knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines is necessary to help you understand the implications of a guilty plea and the risks posed by a conviction.
Ms. Lefeber has developed in-depth knowledge of the complex federal sentencing guidelines throughout the course of her career. She uses this knowledge to achieve the best possible results for her clients. Making a complex analysis of your situation, she offers solid advice about the best possible course of action.
How Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work Against Defendants
The federal sentencing guidelines were originally enacted in 1987. Their goal was to direct judges how to punish defendants convicted of similar crimes with uniformity. A wide variety of factors go into a sentencing decision, these factors were all codified in complex guidelines manuals that were designed to result in uniformity in sentencing.
However, until the recent changes in the law by the United States Supreme Court the actual effect of these sentencing guidelines on criminal defendants has been very detrimental. Judges are unable to deviate from the guidelines except in very limited circumstances, and were unable to exercise their judicial discretion in many cases to achieve fair and just results. Sentencing guidelines have affected federal prosecutors as well, encouraging them to file criminal charges according to what sentences constitute the harshest punishment.
Today, however, the recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court, in the cases of Booker, Kimbrough, Gall and Rita have greatly expanded the opportunities for criminal defendants to receive a fair hearing on all of the special circumstances and sentencing factors that are critical. No longer must defendants receive mandatory sentences without regard for their individual rights and needs. Judges are no permitted to depart from the sentencing guidelines as the Supreme Court has held that they are merely advisory. However, this can only be achieved if you are represented by an experienced, tenacious lawyer who is up-to-date on the rapidly changing and extremely complex law of federal sentencing. Hope C. Lefeber is known for her exceptional ability to obtain the lowest possible sentences for her clients in even the most serious cases.
Contact Hope C. Lefeber with Your Sentencing Guideline Questions
To seek representation by an experienced defense attorney who knows the law on sentencing guidelines, contact the Philadelphia law office of Hope C. Lefeber by calling 866-586-9841. Consultations are free and confidential.
