Atlanta, Georgia Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Because the government has a staggering conviction rate of approximately 95% of the cases it indicts, entering a plea to the charges in the Indictment is an option that many defendants explore. An individual is usually looking at less time when he/she enters a plea, and, in a multi-count Indictments, the government will require the defendant to plead to only 1 or 2 counts and dismiss all of the other charges.
Generally, the defendant enters a guilty plea pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement. The plea agreement outlines the government's recommendations, and typically contains an appeal waiver. Although it is rare, it is sometimes possible for a defendant to tender a nolo contedere plea. This can be done only with special permission from the court.
After the plea is entered, the case is referred to a U.S. Probation Officer for the preparation of a presentence investigation report (PSR). The PSR is an in-depth report prepared for the judge, which details the defendant's background and calculates the recommended sentencing guidelines range. Sentencing is typically conducted 1-3 months after the entrance of a plea.
