Sentencing

Dependable Client Service in State and Federal Sentencing

Some people think that a criminal defense lawyer works first to defeat the prosecutor at trial, then worries about sentencing only if the jury comes in with a guilty verdict. Our approach is pretty much the opposite.

We make a careful review of your sentencing risks and opportunities at the very beginning of the case, and adjust our assessment whenever shifting leverage in the case helps or hurts your chances. We keep you fully advised at every stage.

Call 866-428-4036 for advice about sentencing issues in Southern California

Our goal isn't just to win a trial, it's to keep you out of trouble. If that means a negotiated guilty plea that makes sense for you now and in the future, we'll recommend that you take it. If it means presenting your defense to a jury while making a record that will help with sentencing issues both at trial and on appeal, we'll do that instead. Contact the law firm of Seymour I. Amster, Attorney at Law, to learn how our understanding of sentencing practices under the state and federal guidelines can benefit you.

Both the state of California and the federal system use sentencing guidelines. These provisions show the judge what a normal range of punishment would be for a particular offense given an offender's prior record. The prosecutor might argue for a sentence at the upper end of the guidelines range or even beyond it based on aggravating factors, while the defense will argue for a lighter sentence based on mitigating factors.

Our understanding of the sentencing guidelines can give you an advantage

We keep the state or federal sentencing guidelines firmly in mind at every stage of the case. Early on, we'll work toward reduction of the charges so that the probable sentence will be as low as possible, including and strengthening the possibility of no jail, restitution, probation, community service, treatment and other alternatives.

If your case goes to trial, we develop the sentencing issues even while fighting the charges. We present evidence of your character and positive contributions even while attacking the evidence of the charges against you. By the time the judge gets around to pronouncing the sentence, we make sure that he or she has heard several times over all of the reasons why you should get a break.

Our ability to protect our clients at sentencing both in plea negotiations and at trial is one of the main strengths of our practice. As a certified criminal law specialist*, Seymour Amster has the experience and skill with sentencing issues that can protect your freedom and your future, whether you're charged with DUI or a three-strikes felony.

To learn more about our creative and committed approach to sentencing issues for our clients, contact Seymour I. Amster, Attorney at Law, in Van Nuys, Lancaster, West Covina, downtown L.A. or any of our other offices throughout Southern California.

*Seymour Amster is a certified criminal law specialist under standards established by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization.