Federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums can have a drastic effect on the lives of people convicted of federal crimes. For over 30 years federal sentencing defense attorney, Hope Lefeber, has practiced extensively in the federal courts, obtaining the best results and lowest sentences for her clients.

When you have been charged with a federal crime, including a white collar crime or drug offense, your lawyer's familiarity with the consequences of a conviction is critical to developing a solid defense strategy from the outset. An in-depth knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines is necessary to evaluate the implications of a guilty plea and/or the risks posed by a conviction.

Hope Lefeber is well known among her colleagues and federal judges for her in-depth knowledge of the complex federal sentencing guidelines. She uses this knowledge to achieve the best possible results for her clients. Following a complex analysis of her client's situation, she offers straightforward advice about the best possible course of action.

Ms. Lefeber, regularly represents individual convicted of:

How Sentencing Guidelines Work Against Defendants

The federal sentencing guidelines were originally enacted in 1987. Their goal was to direct judges how to punish defendants convicted of similar crimes with uniformity. A wide variety of factors go into a sentencing decision, these factors were all codified in complex guidelines manuals that were designed to result in uniformity in sentencing.

However, until recent changes in the law by the United States Supreme Court, the actual effect of these sentencing guidelines on criminal defendants has been very detrimental. Today, despite these changes, it is essential that you be represented by an experienced federal attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of the federal sentencing process if you have any hope or expectation of persuading a judge to deviate from the sentencing guidelines. Federal prosecutors use these sentencing guidelines to their advantage to file criminal charges based on what sentences constitute the harshest punishment.

The recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court, in the cases of Booker, Kimbrough, Gall and Rita have greatly expanded the opportunities for criminal defendants to receive a fair hearing on all of the special circumstances and sentencing factors that are critical. No longer must defendants receive mandatory sentences without regard for their individual rights and needs. Judges are permitted to depart from the sentencing guidelines as the Supreme Court has held that they are merely advisory. However, this can only be achieved if you are represented by an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer who is up-to-date on the rapidly changing and extremely complex law of federal sentencing. Hope Lefeber is known for her exceptional ability to obtain the lowest possible sentences for her clients in even the most serious cases.

Contact Federal Defense Attorney Hope Lefeber

To seek representation by an experienced defense attorney who knows the law on sentencing guidelines, contact the Philadelphia law office of Hope Lefeber by calling 610-668-7927 or completing our online form. First consultation is free and confidential.