Presentence Investigation Report — Preparation for Downward Departure

After a convict is found to be guilty than before the sentencing, a presentence investigation report needs to be submitted by a probation officer to the court. The probation officer conducts an interview with the defendant to collect the relevant information such as his life history, family history, education history, community ties, physical, mental and emotional health, employment history, financial condition and so on. The defendant story pertaining to the crime also become a part of this presentence investigation report.

The data is gathered from the relatives, neighbors, employers, and friends. On the other hand victim points, the views of prosecutors and law enforcement agents also become a matter of concern for the presentence investigation report. The probation officer also reviews several documents which may be indictments, court dockets, plea agreements, investigative reports and trial transcripts, provided by other law enforcement agencies.

The probation officer plays the crucial role in making the presentence investigation report and the sentencing period is conferred by the judge based upon this report. Even after sentencing, these PSI reports are utilized by Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to designate the institutions as per the offense committed by the convict. Prison programs, case plans for eventual release and custody; everything is considered on the PSI report as submitted by the probation officer. So, it is crucial to understand the significance of presentence investigation report and seek the expert help to understand what kinds of information should be conveyed to the officer so that a positive or favorable report could get submitted. One such prison counselor, Prison Professors is helping the defendants in working towards the efforts for getting early release and presentence investigation report is where you can have a great start.