QUESTION
When should one hire a sentencing consultant?
Asked on Jun 12th, 2013 on Criminal Law - Colorado
More details to this question:
I've been offered a plea agreement with a specific prison time range. I tried to negotiate so would only receive at bottom of range but prosecutor won't go for it. Should I hire a sentencing consultant before or after accepting the plea? If I accept a plea what good does a sentencing consultant do me if he can only get me towards the bottom of the sentencing range? I want a sentencing consultant to be able to suggest a certain amount of time in probation in lieu of prison time or some other form of punishment.
5 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
You have a lawyer and that should be good enough for your purposes.
Answered on Jun 13th, 2013 at 2:29 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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What in the world is a sentencing consultant? My advice would be to hire an attorney, not a "sentencing consultant" (if there is such a thing). You make it sound like you are negotiating your own plea agreement without an attorney. Your use of the term "sentencing consultant" further suggests to me that you are representing yourself. If that is the case, you're being foolish. If you needed a heart transplant, would you perform your own surgery? If I am wrong and you have an attorney negotiating for you, you should talk to him or her about this.
Answered on Jun 12th, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Geoffrey MacLaren Yaryan
If you reach a plea agreement, then that will determine the sentence. If you plead guilty without a plea agreement then you can argue any sentence you wish to the court, and have the assistance of experts if necessary. If you plead to the court you must plead to everything contained in the complaint.
Answered on Jun 12th, 2013 at 10:11 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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Not sure a sentencing consultant will do you much good if the prosecutor won't budge. The sentence you receive is ultimately up to the judge.
Answered on Jun 12th, 2013 at 11:39 AM
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Now.
Answered on Jun 12th, 2013 at 10:24 AM