Joy J. Brinton Federal Sentencing Consultant  
Home Services Track Record Blog News Archives Testimonials Contact Us
     
NEWS

Supreme Court Recognizes Crack Cocaine Disparity

Kimbrough v. U.S., 552 U.S.__ (12/2007)

The Supreme Court reversed the Fourth Circuit Appellate Court’s decision that the District Court abused its discretion when it sentenced defendant Kimbrough to a statutory 15 year minimum mandatory sentence. The sentence was 4.5 years below the advisory guideline sentence and based it’s departure in part upon the disparate nature between the crack and powder cocaine guidelines. Ginsburg delivered the opinion for the Court which determined that the district court’s sentence was appropriate and rationally reasoned and framed in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3553(a), ’a sentence sufficient but not greater than necessary.’ The opinion sites the U.S. Sentencing Commissions recent November amendment which lowered the advisory guideline for crack cocaine noting the extreme disparity in the guidelines between powder and crack cocaine both of which defendant Kimbrough had conspired to distribute.

   

Supreme Court Supports District Court Mitigated Sentence

Gall v. U.S., 552 U.S.___ (12/2007)

The Supreme Court reversed the Eighth Circuit Appellate Court’s decision that the District Court abused its discretion in determining that defendant Gall’s 18 U.S.C. 2553(a) factors justified a downward departure to a sentence of straight probation rather than the 30-37 month incarceration recommended by the U.S. Probation Department. The opinion corrected the appellate court’s review of sentences by adding that a ‘due deference’ must be given to the district court’s decisions regarding sentencing, translating to more discretion at the district court level in determining what is ‘reasonable’ for each individual defendant.

   
 
 
top ^
 
  MAP OF U.S. APPELATE DISTRICTS
Joy works in all circuits.


  TRACK RECORD
 

After the fight, there's still the decision



After the Fight,
There's Still the Decision!

DEFENSE PROSECUTION SENTENCE

8th Cir. - Drugs/Firearms

25 yrs.

12.5 yrs.

9th Cir. - Drugs

25 yrs.

6 yrs.

9th Cir. - Fraud

3 yrs.

House Arrest 18 mo.

9th Cir. - Fraud

10 yrs.

House Arrest 12 mo.

9th Cir. - Drugs

10 yrs.

3 yrs

9th Cir. - Drugs/Firearms

15 yrs

6.5 yrs

8th Cir. - Drugs

10 yrs

4 yrs

9th Cir. - Fraud

6 yrs.

1 yr 1 day

9th Cir. - Child Porn

5 yrs

1 yr 1 day no registration

9th Cir. - Drugs

10 yrs

4 yrs.

9th Cir. - Insider Trade

3 yrs

Community Svc.

9th Cir. - Fraud

No Loss. Appeal Won.

Sentencing reduced to house arrest.

9th Cir. - Drugs

Quantity – Manufacturing Appeal Won

7.5 yr Sentence Reduction

10th Cir. - Drugs

Safety Valve Appeal Won

3.5 yr. Sentence Reduction
 
top ^

 

JOY J. BRINTON
 

TESTIMONIALS

Ms. Brinton, you have done an exceptional job at mitigating federal cases and this one is no exception. I only wish more defense attorneys would know of your services so that more defendants could benefit from your excellent mitigation work.

  United States District Judge – Central District of California  

Joy, I can honestly say that calling you for sentencing advice prior to plea negotiation was not only valuable for the defendant, but provided a mitigation plan that prepared the defendant in advance for the probation interview. Thanks!

  Criminal Defense Attorney – Western District Washington  
  top ^

ABOUT JOY J. BRINTON
Federal Sentencing Help’s main goal is to educate, consult, and provide paralegal services for Criminal Defense Attorneys. As a federal sentencing consultant, Joy Brinton combines thorough legal research, a sound individual mitigation strategy, and excellent written skills, which results in significant custody reduction for defendants as well as court room praise for defense counsel.
  top ^
SERVICES
Services
  top ^

 

Home | Services | Blog | News Archive | Testimonials | Contact Us

Copyright © 2008 Joy Brinton. All rights reserved.     

last updated 1/7/08