How Should Trump and his Co-Defendants be Preparing for the Inevitable? Sam Mangel; Consultant

When facing federal white-collar criminal charges, obtaining the best possible outcome at sentencing often requires a combination of legal strategy, evidence presentation, and personal advocacy.
This combination is especially important given the complexity of the American justice system. As I discussed last week in my post about the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s update to Amendment 821 which allows for the reduction in sentences for currently incarcerated individuals, rules and regulations can change quickly and without notice.
Here are some tools and strategies a defendant might consider, and I would be happy to go over these more in-depth to see how they can be applied to your specific circumstances:
1. Hire an Experienced Defense Attorney: This is the most crucial step. You need an attorney who is well-versed in federal white-collar defense and is familiar with the nuances of federal sentencing guidelines.
2. Mitigation Specialist: In some cases, hiring a mitigation specialist can be beneficial. These professionals gather positive and rehabilitative information about the defendant to present a comprehensive picture to the court.
3. Sentencing Memorandum: This document, prepared by the defense, outlines reasons for a lighter sentence. It can present the defendant's life story, emphasize their lack of criminal history, detail their contributions to society, and more.
4. Character Letters: Letters from friends, family, colleagues, and others can provide the court with a broader view of the defendant's character and contributions to the community. These should be genuine, well-thought-out, and not appear as simple, impersonal form letters.
5. Cooperation with Authorities: If the situation allows and it's in the defendant's best interest, cooperating with authorities can lead to reduced sentences.
6. Present Mitigating Factors: Work with your attorney to identify and present any mitigating factors that may reduce your sentence. These may include lack of a prior criminal record, full cooperation with the authorities, genuine remorse, restitution efforts, or any personal circumstances that could affect your sentence.
7. Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) Importance: The PSR is a comprehensive report prepared by the probation officer, which the judge relies on when determining your sentence. Ensure that the information in the PSR is accurate and complete. Your attorney can help you review and challenge any inaccuracies or misleading information.
8. Restitution: If financial wrongdoing occurred, voluntarily arranging for restitution (payback) can demonstrate remorse and responsibility.
9. Seek an Alternative Sentencing Program: Some jurisdictions offer alternative sentencing programs that might include community service, home confinement, or drug/alcohol treatment (if substance abuse is a factor).
10. Substance Abuse or Mental Health Treatment: If substance abuse or mental health issues played a role in the offense, seek treatment before sentencing. Demonstrating proactive steps toward rehabilitation can be favorable.
11. Show Genuine Remorse: Demonstrating genuine remorse for the wrongdoing can be a mitigating factor in sentencing. This doesn't mean admitting guilt if you believe you're innocent, but if you are convicted, showing understanding and regret for the impact of your actions can be helpful.
12. Prepare for the Sentencing Hearing: Work with your attorney to thoroughly prepare for the sentencing hearing. Understand the potential questions you may face, practice your talking points, and be prepared to address any issues that may arise.
13. Community Service and Rehabilitation: If there's a gap between conviction and sentencing, proactive engagement in community service or relevant rehabilitation programs can demonstrate a commitment to making amends.
14. Document Everything: Maintain a well-organized file of all relevant documents, including any community service completed, courses attended, therapy sessions, and more.
15. Understand the Federal Sentencing Guidelines: While these guidelines are advisory, understanding them can help set realistic expectations and craft a strategy tailored to specific circumstances.
Remember, every case is unique, and sentence reduction is not automatic - as you likely know, nothing happens easily in the BOP. We have two paralegals who are ready to assist you with preparing the necessary paperwork, and, if applicable, we will work with your attorneys, as they may not know the relevant updates to Amendment 821.
If you would like to discuss any of the above information, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
Sam Mangel
[e-mail]
561-490-4544
www.sam-mangel.com
561-490-4544
www.sam-mangel.com