In this video with Dr. Phil, I discuss the four points or sentencing elements defendants must express in a probation interview and in their personal narrative to the Judge.

At White Collar Advice our experience convinces us that investing in an effective sentence-mitigation strategy makes all the sense in the world for individuals convicted in federal court.

After all, judges will rely upon the federal sentencing guidelines as a resource when determining an appropriate sentence. The range within those guidelines, in many cases, can be measured in years.

As I discuss with Dr. Phil, a sentence-mitigation package would go a long ways toward influencing the judge to perceive the individual as a fellow human being.

The guidelines endow the judge with discretion, and factors that may be relevant to an argument for a lower sentence may include:

• Mental state of mind

• Emotional condition

• Substance abuse

• Remorse

• Recompense

•Motivations

•Treatment

•Physical condition

•Physique

•Military service

•Financial circumstances

•Familial circumstances

•Community contributions

There is a history of case law that shows judges do in fact depart downward from guideline recommendation. In every one of those downward departures, someone has made a compelling, persuasive argument that the government vehemently opposed.

The Supreme Court has mandated that judges must consider all mitigating factors that are relevant to any purpose of sentencing. But if the defendant doesn't raise those mitigating arguments, then the judge will not consider them. For that reason, our team members at White Collar Advice are adamant about working with clients to prepare the most effective sentencing-mitigation strategy as possible.

We encourage individuals who cannot work with White Collar Advice on an independent basis to invest themselves fully in their effort to make a persuasive case for leniency. They must provide their defense attorney with the necessary resources to argue forcefully.

We urge those who are serious about wanting to serve the least amount of time possible to invest the time, energy, and resources on creating the most effective sentence-mitigation strategy possible.