Federal Sentencing

The United States Sentencing Guidelines are infinitely complicated. Yet they are arguably the most important factor driving federal sentences. Although the Guidelines are no longer mandatory following the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Booker, most federal judges loyally adhere to the Guidelines.

Critical to any Guidelines calculation is the defendant’s criminal history. This in itself can be complicated and sometimes requires extensive investigation. A thorough federal sentencing attorney will carefully research a defendant’s criminal history and make every effort to minimize prior convictions. If this is not done properly, the results can be devastating.

Read this Link from the Baltimore Sun to learn how C. Justin Brown helped correct an inmate’s federal sentence and save him almost 14 years of his life: (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-10-12/news/bs-md-records-20101012_1_clerical-error-convictions-federal-court)

In one recent case, involving an armed robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act, Brown convinced a federal judge to sentence his client as a non career offender, even though she was classified as a career offender under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Read More.

In another case, Brown represented a defendant who had pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud. At sentencing, the Government was seeking 18 months, pursuant to the Guidelines. Brown, however, convinced the Judge to sentence his client to probation, on the grounds that his Guidelines range, including loss amount, overrepresented his actual culpability.

Because of the importance of the Sentencing Guidelines in federal court, you must have an attorney who is experienced in this complex area of the law. C. Justin Brown is available for sentencing consultation in Maryland and other federal districts throughout the United States. Call him today so that he can review your case.