Wire and mail fraud matters · National preparation support
Character Support in Fraud Sentencing: Specific, Candid and Verifiable
Organize firsthand character support that helps counsel assess the person’s history, responsibilities and documented change.
By Joseph De Gregorio · Federal Sentencing Strategist
Founder and President, Sentencing Advocacy Group · November 6, 2026
Request a Private Case Review · (646) 588-8182
Choose knowledge over prestige
A supporter should explain how they know the person and what they have directly observed. A prominent title does not replace firsthand knowledge. Keep the relationship and observation period clear. Counsel should decide which materials are useful and how supporters should be informed about the case.
Use concrete observations
Specific examples of work, caregiving, service or change are more informative than repeated adjectives. Dates and context help a reviewer understand what was observed. Do not ask supporters to claim knowledge they do not have, predict a sentence or minimize conduct they do not understand.
Preserve independent voices
Avoid a set of letters that all repeat the same wording. SAG can help organize requests, deadlines and factual checks without inventing the supporter’s experience. Counsel reviews relevance and any legal concerns. Keep a record of the author’s approval of the final text and do not submit material under someone’s name without authorization.
Connect support to the verified record
Check dates, roles and factual assertions against available sources. Identify inconsistencies before counsel’s review. Character support should complement a candid personal history and documented preparation, not replace financial accuracy or difficult case facts. No letter or collection of recommendations guarantees how the court will respond.
Continue your preparation
Should every letter ask for the same sentence?
Counsel should guide the purpose of the letters. Firsthand, accurate observations are essential; supporters should not make claims beyond their knowledge.
Sources and a defined preparation assignment
Official context: U.S. Courts: Presentence Investigations. Sources checked November 6, 2026. Counsel evaluates the applicable law, dates and individual facts.
Work directly with Joseph to define the scope, authorized recipients and review dates. Agreed deliverables can include a personal and professional chronology, indexed supporting records, factual questions for counsel and a practical preparation schedule. SAG does not manage legal responses or provide forensic accounting. An engagement does not automatically establish privilege.
SAG serves clients nationwide from New Jersey, with travel arranged for cases. SAG is not a law firm. No charging decision, sentence, placement or release date is guaranteed.
For defense counsel: Discuss Support for Your Client. Share your role, stage and next deadline, not sensitive financial records or privileged advice, in the initial inquiry.