Federal Judges Consider Personal Narratives in White-Collar Sentencing
In the realm of white-collar crime, federal judges are increasingly influenced by personal narratives and strategic mitigation rather than solely legal arguments. A recent case highlighted a significant reduction in sentencing from 14 years to just over a year, attributed to the defendant's comprehensive personal narrative and demonstrated rehabilitation. The Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) plays a crucial role, as it is a foundational document that follows the defendant through the judicial system. Judges look for genuine remorse, credible rehabilitation efforts, and realistic restitution plans. These elements, when well-documented, can justify leniency in sentencing. 
