Assignment Details As an investigator with the Federal Public Defender’s Office, you are assisting Assistant Federal Defender Lilly Jones with gathering background information on offenderBen Smith,...

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Assignment Details


As an investigator with the Federal Public Defender’s Office, you are assisting Assistant Federal Defender Lilly Jones with gathering background information on offenderBen Smith, who pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance (5 kilograms of cocaine). Mr. Smith is being sentenced next month.


In a 2–3-page paper, provide an overview of the following:



  • Whatsentence is required in this case based on the federal sentencingguidelines?

  • Why were the federal sentencing guidelines developed, and what is their purpose?

  • In your opinion, do the guidelinesallow judges enough discretion when imposing a sentence in this type of case?

  • Should judges have more or less discretion when it comes to sentencing?

  • What are the 3 most important things Ms. Jones should tell the judge at sentencing about Mr. Smith to aid in sentencing?

Answered Same DayJan 21, 2021

Answer To: Assignment Details As an investigator with the Federal Public Defender’s Office, you are assisting...

Azra S answered on Jan 21 2021
152 Votes
Information regarding Ben Smith Case
Sentence based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
The Federal Sentencin
g Guidelines for the distribution of a controlled substance include laws regarding selling, illegal import, transportation of unlawful substances that are classified as controlled, by the government. These items include drugs such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and other illegal drugs.
The punishment for distribution of controlled substances varies largely depending on several factors. These factors range from the type of drug being trafficked, to the quantity being trafficked along with the area it is being distributed in. Other factors include targeting of minors and types of resulting casualties etc. Drug distribution sentence ranges from imprisonment of 3-5 years to a lifetime in prison. The sentence can be bigger or smaller depending on the quantity of distribution (Wilmot & Spohn, 2004).
Purpose of developing Federal Sentencing Guidelines
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines came into force in 1987 outlining a consistent sentencing policy in the federal court system for...
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