Focusing on Rehabilitation Rather Than Punishment
While the criminal justice system may have been designed to punish people for their wrong-doings, we believe it can function to rehabilitate individuals.
Although it can be easy to think of sentences as "punishments," at Hepworth, Pendry and Katkish, we work to reach sentences that focus on rehabilitation instead. We advocate for sentences that are geared toward helping our clients become successful members of the community.
Our Approach to the Sentencing Phase
When you stand before the sentencing judge, we will work toward a sentence that provides you with meaningful treatment, the tools you need to live successfully in the community, and the opportunity for a fresh start. To that end, we will:
- Remind judges of their discretionary power — Sentencing guidelines are advisory. We will work to convince judges to exercise the greatest amount of discretion toward a lenient sentence.
- Tell your story — Every client has a unique background. Whether the crime of conviction is the result of economic problems, an addiction or other personal issues, your circumstances should influence the sentence you are given. We will explain your story to the judge so that he or she can take it into account.
- Focus on rehabilitation — Within the criminal justice system we aim to help people who have been convicted of crimes become productive members of society again. We will show your potential for rehabilitation so that the judge does not focus solely on punishment.
- Aim for restorative justice — We are focused on helping our clients achieve true healing. This means that we strive to reach sentences that are in the best interests of everyone involved — our client, the victim and the community as a whole.
We are available to help individuals with their own sentencing issues, and we offer sentencing consulting services to other attorneys. Call 202-220-3025 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers at our Washington, D.C. or Bethesda, Maryland, offices.
