Learn How To Engineer Your Desired Outcome
Watch our Dr. Phil mitigation video series to understand the key strategies that influence judges, probation officers, and leniency outcomes.
Four Points to a Shorter Sentence
In the spring of 2018, Dr. Phil wanted to get some information on how people could prepare for sentencing. He called our team. I spoke with him about four points anyone could take to position themselves for a lower sentence:
- check_circleA person should show the judge that he or she identifies with victims.
- check_circleA person should reveal what he or she has learned from the experience.
- check_circleA person should identify steps that he or she is taking to make things right.
- check_circleA person should build a mitigation case, showing the value he or she brings to the broader community.
It’s not always easy to articulate these points. Our team helps people when they want to work toward getting the shortest sentence possible.
Don’t Live in Denial
I didn’t understand the complexities of a criminal charge. As a result, I made things worse for myself at the start of my experience. Learn how to choose a path that will influence possibilities for leniency:
- check_circleBe truthful when speaking with your defense attorney.
- check_circleYou don’t have to talk with law-enforcement officers, but if you do, make sure you’re truthful.
- check_circleLearn more about the possibilities of obstruction of justice—as a sentencing enhancement, or as a new criminal charge.
Run, Don’t Walk!
If you’re truly interested in positioning yourself for the lowest possible sentence, or the earliest possible release date, then work toward cutting the best possible deal, at the soonest possible time.
- check_circleProsecutors give the best deal to the people who come first.
- check_circleProsecutors support those who show genuine remorse.
- check_circleThe judge will look favorably upon those who accept responsibility early.
Understand the Triangle
When positioning yourself for the best possible outcome, make sure you’re thinking about the criminal charge from the position of stakeholders—and not your perspective:
- check_circleDescribe the pressure you felt and how it led you into this behavior, and what you’ve learned from the process.
- check_circleDescribe how you saw an opportunity to relieve the pressure you felt, and what you’ve been doing to make things right.
- check_circleDescribe how you once rationalized your actions, and why your judge can feel confident that you’ve atoned.
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