Presentence Investigation (PSI) Report Critique: Mitigation as Counter Strategy in Child Pornography Cases

A presentence investigation report (PSI) is a report compiled from a number of sources as evidence intended to paint a full picture of a defendant's history, mental health, financial condition, and more. It is intended to assist the court in fashioning fair sentences and assists the probation officer in supervising the offender. More often than not, however, the PSI is incomplete, misleading, or otherwise inadequately prepared, and thus is not effective for mitigation purposes. This program, presented by an attorney and forensic expert Mark Silver, takes an in-depth look at the common issues with PSIs and gives criminal defense attorneys the tools they need to create an effective PSI for their client.

1. Identify the major ways to critically examine a presentence report
2. Recognize what tools are available to evaluate the client for presentence report purposes in order to more fully understand the client's issues and needs
3. Consider mitigation as a major tool for advocacy in criminal defense practice as a means to counter the presentence report
4. Examine how mitigation is used in a practical and effective way to counter the PSI in child pornography cases