Federal presentence preparation
Federal Presentence Interview and PSR Preparation
Prepare for your presentence interview with an organized personal-history timeline, a document inventory and questions for counsel. Joseph De Gregorio helps you prepare to communicate accurately; your attorney directs legal advice and submissions.
Joseph De Gregorio, Founder and President of Sentencing Advocacy Group, works directly with clients to organize personal history, supporting records and preparation questions before the presentence interview. His experience as a former federal defendant informs the work; counsel directs legal strategy and submissions.
Your presentence interview is one of the most consequential stages leading up to sentencing. Work directly with Joseph to organize your personal history, document meaningful change and prepare to communicate a clear, accurate account of who you are today.
Read Joseph’s published analysis: Federal Bar Association — What the Pre-Sentence Report Actually Determines · American Bar Association — Summer 2026 Criminal Justice feature (behind paywall).
Client experience · PSR preparation
“Joseph's pre-sentence interview education was meticulous.”
Edward H. · Raleigh, NC · August 27, 2025
66 months → 14 months
Client-reported starting point: 66 months. Reported sentence imposed: 14 months. The testimonial does not identify the starting point as a guideline figure or government recommendation.
Read Edward’s experience → · Explore Client Experiences →
Individual results vary. No sentence reduction or release outcome is guaranteed.
Who this service is for
SAG’s PSR preparation service helps federal defendants organize personal history and supporting records before the presentence interview. Families may help gather documents and identify gaps. The interview date, counsel’s involvement and available preparation time determine what work is practical within the engagement.
Give the record time to develop.
Early PSR preparation gives defendants and counsel time to gather records, reconcile factual inconsistencies and review personal history before the interview. The historical judicial observation below illustrates the value of timely preparation; it does not prescribe a deadline or endorse SAG’s services.
“Get it to the probation officer early.”
Historical sentencing observation · Not an endorsement of Sentencing Advocacy Group
Preparation starts with the information counsel needs to assess: an accurate personal history, supporting records and a clear list of missing or disputed facts. Discuss timing and any submission to probation with your attorney; preparation should leave room to review and correct the record.
What preparation can include
The agreed work may include a personal-history timeline, a records checklist, organization of education and employment information, available treatment documentation, and a list of questions or factual issues to review with your attorney. Preparation should distinguish documented facts, your own recollection and information that still needs confirmation.
The objective is an accurate, coherent account. It is not a scripted story or an invitation to exaggerate hardship, treatment history or rehabilitation.
Working alongside your attorney
Your attorney directs legal strategy and advises you about the interview, disputed allegations and any objections. Sentencing Advocacy Group’s preparation work supports that relationship. We can help you organize information for counsel’s review; we do not replace counsel or provide legal representation.
A practical starting point
A PSR preparation engagement starts with your case stage, upcoming interview date and the records already available. Joseph De Gregorio then identifies preparation gaps and discusses an appropriate scope, with responsibilities and terms agreed individually before work begins.
Relevant published analysis
Joseph De Gregorio’s published work includes the Summer 2026 ABA Criminal Justice magazine feature on sentencing reduction and his Federal Bar Association analysis of the presentence report. Read the original publications and our PSR Interview Guide for context on the approach to preparation.
Professional recommendation
Richard Levitt, a partner at Levitt & Kaizer, described his experience working with Joseph De Gregorio in a September 3, 2025 LinkedIn recommendation. The excerpts below reflect individual professional experience and should be read with the full recommendation’s context.
“In each case Joseph delivered far above our expectations.”
“We look forward to continuing our work with Joseph and recommend him without reservation.”
Richard Levitt
Partner, Levitt & Kaizer
LinkedIn recommendation · September 3, 2025
Prepare for the next conversation
You do not need to send a complete case file to make an initial inquiry. Start with your case stage, interview or sentencing date if known, counsel status and preferred contact method. Avoid sending sensitive case documents until an appropriate process is agreed.
Request a Private Case Review. You can also call or text Joseph at 646-588-8182 or email joseph@sentencingadvocacygroup.com.
Sentencing Advocacy Group is not a law firm. No sentencing, placement, program or release outcome is guaranteed.
Preparation that supports counsel’s work
Justin Danilewitz’s public recommendation describes Joseph De Gregorio helping a client prepare a personal statement for the presentence report. The example illustrates support for counsel’s work; it does not establish that the same document or outcome is appropriate in every case.
“Specifically, Joe advised the client on putting together a really impactful statement to add to his Presentence Investigation Report.”
Justin Danilewitz
Chambers-ranked white-collar defense attorney · Chair, White Collar and Government Enforcement Practice, Saul Ewing LLP
Before your presentence interview
Will SAG tell me what answers to give?
Preparation is for accurate communication. Do not invent, conceal or rehearse misleading facts; ask your attorney about legal questions.
What should I send first?
Send your contact details and current stage through the inquiry form. Agree on an appropriate process before sending case records or another person’s information.
Review the presentence interview questions → · Organize supporting documents with the checklist →
From preparation to counsel’s review
A practical PSR preparation handoff brings together a source-indexed personal-history timeline, a document inventory, confirmed facts and a separate list of recollections or disputed points. Counsel reviews the material and directs any submission to probation.
The probation officer conducts the investigation and prepares the report. SAG prepares the client and organizes the supporting record; it does not write the official PSR. Read the U.S. Courts explanation of the process.
For technology careers, see how to connect business history and documented corrective work. Clients in the Bay Area can review SAG’s Silicon Valley preparation pathway. This remains a national service, delivered remotely and through travel arranged for cases.