Crime & Law Enforcement Issues & Death Penalty/State Jail Felony Reduction of Sentence

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Expert: - 3/29/2004


Question
Hi! Can you give me any information on how I would obtain the forms or information on what to write on plea for a reduction of sentence for a state jail felony?  My husband was sentenced to one year, and has done six months so far.  From the information I've gathered so far, you just send a form to the judge who sentenced him with the offender's case number and the family can include letters.  Any information you could give me would be great!  Thank you so much!

Answer
Hello Rachel,

   Every state has its own laws and procedures so your state would be different than mine when it comes to a sentence reduction hearing.  In my state a three judge panel hears such a request after the inmate has served a specified amount of time.  In YOUR state I am sure that the procedure is different.  I would suggest that you get in touch with the attorney who represented your husband at his trial.  He should be the one handling this.  Either that or call the courthouse if it is a motion that can be handled without an attorney.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do NOT ask questions about potential jail sentences that you or your friends may receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer or a parole officer so questions about those subjects will be rejected. I am a police officer with 26 years experience. Can answer questions about crime, police procedure, investigations, criminal law, search and seizure, traffic offenses. Prefer not to answer questions on the death penalty. Please do not ask homework questions. Remember this. The law in every state is different so questions about laws that are specific to your state could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or not to do in court. I have worked with authors in the past and will be happy to review scenarios or plots with authors to check for believability or accuracy.

Experience

Police officer with 26 years experience. Ten years in patrol and sixteen years in the detective bureau investigating every type of crime including murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, etc, etc. Also taught at the police academy in areas such as constitutional law, search and seizure, and lineups.

Education/Credentials
B.S. in Criminology from the University of Maryland.

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