Our Orange County Federal Defense Attorneys have years of experience in dealing with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and interacting with the United States Attorneys in Los Angles, Orange, and Riverside counties. Because of this experience we’ve been able to reduce our clients’ sentences drastically and gain multiple downward departure or pre-filing negotiations for our clients accused of drug charges, illegal re-entry, bankruptcy fraud, insurance fraud, Medicare fraud and etc.
Orange County Federal cases often involve punishments which are much more serious than those imposed by Orange county superior court or other state courts for similar crimes. This is due to the fact that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are mush harsher AND because until recently federal judges such as those residing over cases in the United States District Court for the Central district of California or United States District Court for the Southern district of California had to follow the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. After the Supreme Court’s decision in Booker, the guidelines have become advisory only; however, the fact remains that most of not all judges still follow the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
These Federal Sentencing Guidelines often restrict independent judicial discretion by Los Angeles United States Federal Judges. These Federal Sentencing Guidelines take into account both the seriousness of the offense and the defendants criminal history. There are 43 levels of offense levels. The higher the level, the higher the punishment.
Adjustments can be done to increase or decrease the offense level. For examples, if the defendant had a minimal role in the offense level, there could be an adjustment decrease of four levels. Similarly certain factors could increase the offense levels. There is also reduction for acceptance of responsibility.
The federal sentencing guidelines also classifies each defendant to one of six Criminal History Categories. Category one is the least serious criminal record and Criminal History Category six includes defendants who have had quite a few run ins with the law and court.
In addition, the Los Angeles United States Federal Court Judge may grant either the Los Angeles United States Attorney or defense attorney a departure upward or downward depending if there was aggravating or mitigating circumstances not adequately taken into consideration by the Sentencing Guidelines.
Our Orange County Federal Attorneys know the Federal Sentencing Guidelines thoroughly. Difference between hiring us or an attorney less experienced can be month! Contact us today for a free consultation at 888-529-2188.
