Pre-Sentence Investigations in Idaho; Treat it like an interview with the Judge!

A pre-sentence report is generally ordered in a felony case by the District Court Judge. Its often called a "PSI." It encompasses your family history, criminal history, social history, education level, mental health and physical health issues. Sometimes the Judge gives you an option to have a pre-sentence report or not. Other times the Judge requires it before sentencing. 

To get your PSI you must go to probation and parole in your district. If you are in Caldwell, Idaho your district is district 3. Click Here for information. You must set up an appointment with them yourself in order to get one. DON'T MISS THE APPOINTMENT AND BE PREPARED.

A PSI writer will have your criminal history in front of them and then start with your version of events. Then they review the police reports and discovery in your case. They make a determination if you are being truthful, remorseful, or can be rehabilitated by comparing the two of versions of what happened. It is important to take accountability for your crimes as to not appear as if you are hiding something. Also, stick to the police side of things, but add important details which were not mentioned by the police to the PSI writer.  

I have been told my many inmates that they didn't realize the importance of the Pre-Sentence Investigation until it was over. Literally the little probation officer or social worker behind the desk acts as the Judges eyes and ears. PSI writers can report to the judge that they felt you were being untruthful with them, agitated, or uncooperative. Sometimes they merely rubber stamp recommendations. It is up to you to make the interview go smooth. 

To make an interview go smooth, be prepared. They will ask about military service, education, family history, employment statuts ect. Bring a number of documents to the initial interview showing you are who you are, letters of recommendation from your family, education certificates, medical records if you have any conditions that the Court needs to know about, Mental Health letters, skills or classes of treatment completed, and pay stubs showing you are employed. Smooze the person with how prepared you are. Dont overwhelm them, but make sure they know you are not a candidate for prison. 

To help your odds, before you meet with the PSI worker, try to get into treatment, volunteer at a shelter, get a new higher paying job, or take care of a sick relative. These things can help mitigate your sentence and tends to make a difference to the PSI worker. View it as an interview with a Judge. You normally will only get one shot. Make it Count!