Federal Crimes Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
What are the federal sentencing guidelines?
What are the federal sentencing guidelines?
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The federal sentencing guidelines play a critical role in any criminal case, influencing the initial evaluation, trial risk assessment, and sentencing phase if a client is found guilty. These guidelines consist of a set of rules that federal courts apply, primarily considering two main factors: the offense level assigned to the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. A higher offense level corresponds to a more serious crime, while a defendant’s prior convictions impact their criminal history score.
Over the past decade, there have been significant changes in how these guidelines are applied. Courts now also consider the “3553 factors,” allowing attorneys to present a wide range of mitigating evidence for the court to take a more holistic view of the defendant. This shift enables a broader presentation of the individual’s background and circumstances beyond just the offense and criminal history.
The emphasis on federal sentencing guidelines is due to the often severe penalties associated with federal crimes. Clients may face mandatory minimum sentences of 10, 15, 20 years, or even life imprisonment. Given such severe potential outcomes, it is crucial for a client to have complete confidence in their attorney’s ability to take the case to trial. Many clients, when confronted with the prospect of lengthy mandatory sentences, are unwilling to accept such penalties without fighting the charges in court. Therefore, selecting a trial attorney experienced in handling federal cases and capable of achieving favorable outcomes is of paramount importance.
Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Michael Leonard discusses the federal sentencing guidelines and why are they important in cases involving federal crimes. He explains that the federal sentencing guidelines play a critical role in criminal cases, encompassing various stages, such as case evaluation, trial assessment, and sentencing considerations. These guidelines are a set of rules applied in federal cases, primarily focusing on two key factors: the offense level assigned to the crime, indicating its severity, and the defendant’s criminal history.
Over the past decade, the federal sentencing guidelines have undergone significant changes. They now incorporate the 3553 factors, which allow attorneys to present mitigating evidence to the court, encouraging a more comprehensive assessment of the defendant’s circumstances. The emphasis placed on these guidelines stems from the often severe penalties associated with federal crimes. Clients may face mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years or even life imprisonment, making it crucial to have confidence in their attorney’s ability to take the case to trial.
Given the potential consequences, clients are often unwilling to accept lengthy sentences without a fight in court. Therefore, selecting a skilled trial attorney capable of successfully representing them at the federal level becomes of utmost importance. The attorney’s expertise and ability to navigate the complexities of federal trials significantly impact the outcome and are vital considerations for clients facing such significant potential penalties.
