Federal Sentencing Guidelines - New York City Criminal Defense Attorney Hope Lefeber
Federal crimes are some of the most serious criminal charges a person can face, and conviction comes with hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. When deciding on a punishment for a federal crime, the judge will first calculate and apply the federal sentencing guidelines. These guidelines were established so that punishments for federal crimes remain consistent across the country. The severity of a federal criminal sentence will depend on the nature of the crime committed, a defendant’s prior criminal record and, in white-collar cases, the amount of the loss, whether actual or intended. The federal sentencing guidelines provide a range for the minimum and maximum sentence that is applicable. However, there are circumstances when a judge has the discretion to depart or vary from the federal guideline sentencing range.
If you have been charged with a federal crime, it is essential for you and your family to know the potential penalties you could be facing. Working with a lawyer who has an in-depth knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines will enable you to evaluate the implications of a guilty plea, whether it is worth taking the risk of proceeding to a jury trial, and to fully understand all available options and the potential sentences that you might face.
Put Hope Lefeber’s Knowledge of Federal Sentencing Guidelines to Work for You
New York City federal criminal defense attorney Hope Lefeber has been defending people accused of federal crimes for more than 30 years. She has a vast knowledge of federal law and the federal court system and she understands the arguments and strategies that result in the lowest possible sentences for her clients. She also has the tenacity and experience to take your case to trial - and win - even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Ms. Lefeber began her career as an enforcement attorney with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) where she learned first-hand how the government prepares and prosecutes a federal criminal case. Today, she uses that knowledge and experience to assist her clients who are facing overwhelming odds when fighting against the virtually unlimited resources of the federal government.
Ms. Lefeber has successfully defended people accused of all manner of federal crimes and has practiced extensively in federal court for the last 30 years. She has earned a reputation as a fierce defender of her client’s rights, a tough opponent, and an advocate for justice and the constitution. Ms. Lefeber is highly-regarded by her colleagues in the federal bar, federal prosecutors, federal judges, and her clients. She takes an aggressive, hands-on approach to every case she handles, challenging the government’s allegations and the evidence they intend to present in her pursuit of justice for her clients. She is meticulous in her preparation and will carefully and thoroughly analyze every element of your case to point out inconsistencies in the government’s case and secure favorable results.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Put Defendants at a Disadvantage
Federal sentencing guidelines were enacted in 1987 in an effort to make federal sentencing more uniform by directing federal judges on how to punish criminal defendants. There are a wide variety of factors that go into federal sentencing, and the federal sentencing guidelines were intended to gather all of these factors into a single manual that would result in uniform sentencing across the country.
The actual effect of these sentencing guidelines on criminal defendants, however, has been detrimental, as federal prosecutors use the sentencing guidelines to their advantage by filing cases in a way that will result in the harshest punishment possible. The federal sentencing guidelines have also constrained federal judges in their sentencing decisions, removing much of their discretion to change a sentence based on an individual defendant’s unique circumstances.
If you have any hope of having a judge deviate from the federal sentencing guidelines, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney your side who thoroughly understands the nuances and intricacies of federal criminal sentencing and can persuade a judge to depart or vary from the federal sentencing recommendations.
Fortunately, federal sentencing is changing and recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and Circuit Courts of Appeal have made it easier for criminal defendants to receive downward departures and variances. Judges must continue to be educated that federal sentencing guidelines are advisory, rather than mandatory, and that there are many important reasons to mitigate or reduce that harsh sentences that strict application of the guidelines can cause. Ms. Lefeber is an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who knows and understands federal sentencing guidelines and the ways to get the best results at sentencing. She uses psychological, psychiatric, and forensic experts at sentencing to educate the sentencing judges as to why they should grant a variance from the sentencing guidelines.
Level the Playing Field - Contact NYC Defense Attorney Hope Lefeber Today
New York City federal criminal defense attorney Hope Lefeber has more than 30 years of experience defending people accused of crimes in federal court. She is a fierce and aggressive advocate for her clients’ rights, and meticulously prepares every case she takes on. Ms. Lefeber takes a hands-on approach to her clients’ cases, thoroughly evaluating and investigating every piece of evidence the government intends to offer in her pursuit of justice for her clients.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime, New York City federal criminal defense attorney Hope Lefeber should be your first call. Contact Ms. Lefeber today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case by calling 610-668-7929 or completing the online form.
