How Do The Federal Sentencing Guidelines Work?

If you or a loved one has received a guilty verdict, you may feel like your fight for justice has ended, but this is not the case. You’re just beginning the battle for your freedom, and you’ll need a skilled attorney working on your behalf to ensure you have the best shot at achieving your desired result, and to help you understand your legal options during the sentencing process. This stage of your case can feel overwhelming and confusing, but your attorney will explain every step so you’re able to make informed decisions that will positively impact your future. If you are unsatisfied with your trial attorney’s performance, now is the time to secure new representation and begin working on your strategy for the next step of your case. Sentencing determines what the actual penalties for an offense will be, and can be one of the most critical stages of a case. Don’t be discouraged by conviction. Contact Grabel & Associates now to learn more about how we can help you turn your situation around or contact us online.

What Are the United States Sentencing Guidelines?

The sentence you receive is not supposed to be random. The judge that hears your case must closely follow the federal sentencing guidelines when determining your punishment, barring extreme circumstances surrounding your case. The guidelines consider several key factors, including severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal record.

Severity of the Crime in US Sentencing Guidelines

For every criminal offense, there is a base level sentence that rises and falls depending on the details of your case. There are adjustments made for the victim involved, your part in the crime, any obstruction of justice, and acceptance of responsibility. Your attorney will walk you through the details and look for ways to help you receive the best outcome available.

Criminal History and Federal Sentencing

After the base level is established, your criminal record will be taken into consideration. There are six categories of criminal history, the first being little to no criminal record and the sixth being an extensive record. Each level of history will further enhance your sentence.

Using Federal Sentencing Guidelines to Determine Your Final Sentence

Your sentence range will be calculated by adding the base level and subtracting or adding, depending on offense characteristics and your criminal history. Once the judge determines the range within your sentence must fall, he or she will decide what exactly your punishment should be and is responsible for explaining how he or she reached that conclusion in writing. While judges are required to do these calculations, they are not technically required to adhere to the guidelines. Since the guidelines are merely advisory, it’s important to have a seasoned defense attorney fighting on your behalf. He or she may be able to convince the judge that you deserve a lesser punishment, making it easier for you to move on after a criminal conviction. Additionally, our lawyers can help you challenge instances where a judge strays too far from the sentencing guidelines. Reach out to the team at Grabel & Associates to obtain the services of one of Michigan’s premier defense attorneys. We are willing to step in at any stage of your case and will passionately fight to win you the best result possible.

Our Approach to Sentencing in Federal Criminal Cases

If you’ve been convicted of a federal criminal offense, you’ll be facing choices that will impact the rest of your life. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the process if you want to make wise decisions. The Grabel & Associates team is committed to walking you through every step and putting the power back in your hands, so you’re set up to succeed. We have over 15 years of experience in Michigan law, and know what it takes to win. If you’ve already received a guilty verdict, we’ll represent you throughout the sentencing portion of your case. If we decide it would be beneficial to you, we will help you appeal or explore other options. Don’t give up on your fight for justice just yet. Contact Grabel & Associates today for a free initial case consultation and to learn more about how you can receive the best available outcome in the post-conviction stage of your federal criminal case.

Contact Grabel & Associates for 24/7 Criminal Defense

Sentencing guidelines will not protect you from excessively harsh punishments. If you’ve been convicted of a federal offense and are facing sentencing, you need some of Michigan’s brightest legal minds battling for you. We will review every detail of your unique case and come up with a strategy to protect your future. Call 1-800-342-7896 to speak with one of our experienced case analysts and to get connected with an attorney or contact us online. We understand your case is time sensitive, which is why we are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide knowledgeable legal counsel. If you’re already in the post-conviction stage of your case, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re willing to step into your case at any point and get to work building a strong defense strategy.