What is a Pre-Sentence Investigation?

What is a Pre-Sentence Investigation?

A Pre-Sentence Investigation is a report about a Defendant and their case completed by a probation agent for the Court before a Defendant is sentenced. It usually involves being interviewed by a probation agent. They will ask all about a Defendant’s life history: family, employment, mental/physical health, prior convictions, military service, and more. It’s designed to give the sentencing judge mor information about you before a sentence is imposed so that a Defendant gets an appropriate sentence.

In Federal Court, Defendants are actively involved in the Pre-Sentence Investigation process. The report, known as the Pre-Sentence Report, is prepared, and the Defendant is given the opportunity to review and respond to a draft version before the final report is submitted to the Court. This ensures that the Defendant's perspective is considered, adding to the fairness and transparency of the process.

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