SDNY Notice to the Bar: Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports

NOTICE TO THE BAR
CONTACT: Edward Friedland, 212-805-0513

SDNY BOARD OF JUDGES ADOPTS A SCHEDULE FOR THE PREPARATION OF PRE-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION REPORTS, EFFECTIVE JUNE 2

The Board of Judges of the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York have adopted a standing order that
standardizes the timetable for the completion of Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) Reports. The new schedule takes effect June 2.

Highlights of the new schedule include:

  • On the day of a guilty plea or verdict, judges will direct defense counsel to promptly schedule a Pre-Sentence Interview of the defendant with the SDNY Probation Department;
  • The Probation Department will complete its Pre-Sentence Interview of the defendant within 28 days of the plea or verdict;
  • Within 14 days of the Probation Department’s initial disclosure of the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report, the parties must provide the Probation Department with objections.

Please see the standing order that is attached to this notice for a complete schedule.

“The court’s new schedule for Pre-Sentence Investigation Report ensures that defendants can be sentenced no later than 90 days after a guilty plea or the delivery of a guilty verdict,” said Chief Judge Loretta A. Preska. “It improves efficiency, provides some flexibility in scheduling sentencings, and reduces the number of sentencing adjournments—it’s a win-win for all parties.”

Click here to read the notice.