The authority and regulations for Presentence Investigations are contained in Title 18, United States Code, Section 3552; Rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure; and Rule 32.2 of the Rules of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Referral to the United States Probation Office
At this stage:
- Your case will be assigned to a United States Probation Officer and the process of gathering information will begin.
- Within 10 days, the assigned officer will contact you or your attorney to schedule an interview. This initial interview typically occurs in our office. During the interview, the officer will inquire about your family history (including the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and occupations of your parents and siblings, if applicable); marital history; medical history (including periods of hospitalizations and current medications); mental health history; substance abuse history, education; and employment history (including any military service). It may be helpful for you to begin gathering this information prior to meeting with an officer. The officer will also inquire about your criminal record and your involvement in the offense leading to your conviction.
- You have or will receive a Net Worth Statement and Monthly Cash Flow Statement. This information is a necessary part of the presentence investigation. Please complete the forms and compile the documents which verify your information. Bring the forms and documents with you when you meet with the probation officer.
- You will be asked to sign a Release of Information forms which will allow the officer to verify your information without resorting to Court orders for documents.
The Investigation
- Following your meeting with the probation officer, he/she will begin the process of verifying your information. This includes contacting family members and/or personal references, educational institutions and prior employers. During this stage, an officer will make arrangements to conduct a home visit with you and/or a designated representative if you are unable to meet with the officer at your residence.
- The officer will prepare a draft presentence investigation report. This report will be disclosed to your attorney and the Assistant United States Attorney. Your attorney and the Assistant U.S. Attorney each have 10 days to review this draft report and submit any comments or objections based on the content of the report. Your attorney must review this report with you before sentencing. The probation officer will work to resolve any disputes or errors before the officer submits a final presentence report to the Court. The Court makes the final determination regarding any disputed issue.
- We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your presentence investigation report. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.
Kelli Willett (202) 565-1357
Supervising United States Probation Officer
Crystal Lustig (202) 565-1425
Supervising United States Probation Officer
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I continue reporting to the DC Pretrial Services Agency (if applicable)?
- Yes. Unless the conditions were changed at your plea hearing, continue to report to Pretrial Services as previously ordered. After sentencing, the probation officer will instruct you on this topic.
Why do you need information regarding my family, etc.?
- The presentence investigation provides the Court information about the offense. But, more importantly, the report allows the Court to learn more about you as an individual including the important people and events that occurred in your life. We are also required to verify information and we need to know how to contact your family members and significant persons in your life. We prefer to speak with these individuals in person, so we will likely visit your home and make other personal contacts with individuals in the community.
Who receives a copy of this report?
- The Court, the Assistant United States Attorney, your defense attorney, any treatment agencies, and the Bureau of Prisons (if applicable). This is a confidential report and its release is strictly limited. This report is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Will an officer visit me at my home or at my place of employment?
- Yes. An officer will schedule a home visit with you to verify your residence. A visit to your employer may or may not be required. Your probation officer will discuss this with you.