Federal preparation · A shared guide
Financial Information for the Presentence Report
A useful financial record is complete, dated and supported. Coordinate the requested information and submission process with defense counsel and the probation officer’s actual instructions.
By Joseph De Gregorio · Federal Sentencing Reduction and Early Release Strategist
Founder and President, Sentencing Advocacy Group
Published November 5, 2026
Request a Private Case Review · (646) 588-8182
Start with the actual request
The federal judiciary explains that presentence investigations include gathering financial and other background records. Identify the forms and supporting documents requested in your case, together with the deadline and authorized delivery method.
Do not rely on a generic checklist as a substitute for those instructions. Counsel should address questions about scope, disclosure obligations and disputed information.
Create a dated financial inventory
Organize assets, liabilities, income, ordinary expenses and business interests with supporting statements or other records. Identify the date and source of each value. Distinguish individual ownership from company or third-party property.
Joint ownership, restricted accounts, contingent interests and uncertain valuations require clear explanations and professional review. Do not silently omit an item because it is difficult to value or describe.
Keep cash flow separate from asset value
A property value does not show available monthly income. An account balance does not explain recurring expenses. Maintain separate schedules so a reviewer can understand both resources and obligations.
Support employment income, business distributions and other receipts with relevant records. Identify unusual or nonrecurring items instead of presenting them as ordinary monthly earnings.
Reconcile financial obligations
Keep restitution, fines, taxes, secured debts and other liabilities separately identified. Record the source and status of each amount, distinguishing proposed, disputed and ordered obligations.
A payment ledger should show completed transactions and confirmation. Counsel and qualified financial professionals determine the legal effect, allocation and calculations; SAG organizes the underlying record.
Review accuracy before the handoff
Use a gap list to identify missing periods, inconsistent figures or records that need clarification. Date corrections and preserve the source history. Do not alter original statements or backdate explanations.
Joseph can help prepare an indexed financial and personal-record handoff within the engagement. Sensitive financial documents should be shared through the agreed process, not uploaded through the initial website inquiry.
Sources and related preparation
United States Courts: presentence investigations. Source checked November 5, 2026. Counsel must evaluate the rules and facts applicable to your case.
Can SAG tell me what to leave out of a financial disclosure?
No. Counsel must advise on the applicable disclosure obligations. SAG supports accurate organization and identification of factual gaps.
Discuss a defined preparation assignment
Retain qualified federal defense counsel first for an investigation or criminal charge. Agree on the scope, records, authorized recipients and review dates before SAG’s work begins. Counsel retains legal advice, strategy and submissions. SAG can deliver an indexed personal record, a chronology, a factual gap list and an agreed preparation schedule.
SAG serves clients nationwide from Freehold, New Jersey, with travel arranged for cases. Tell Joseph your current stage and next deadline. Do not send case documents or sensitive allegations through the initial website form.
Already have defense counsel? Discuss Support for Your Client · (646) 588-8182
SAG is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Courts and agencies determine outcomes. No sentence, charging decision or release date is guaranteed.