The Pre-Sentence investigation is the primary tool in the sentencing of a defendant. In fact, the pre-sentence investigation is a legally mandated report and plays a pivotal role at various points in the criminal justice system.
Information discovered in an investigation is information Courts can use to assist in determining how a defendant will be sentenced.
Information gleaned in pre-sentence investigations can also assist the Court when setting orders and conditions of Probation. The information contained in the pre-sentence investigation report is a permanent part of the Court record and can be accessed if a court sentence is appealed.
Probation conducts specialized pre-sentence reports for sex offense, domestic violence, mental health and DWI offenses. The pre-sentence report is used by Probation, the Court, Corrections and Parole.