Come On Up to the Podium! A Sentencing Tidbit on the Importance of Family Support to Determining a Reasonable Sentence

Next time you find yourself staring at a judicial look which seems to say, why do I need to hear from the defendant's family?  Consider quoting Attorney General Eric Holder's December 15 remarks during his visit to Morehouse College.

"Research reveals that incarcerated men who maintain strong family ties while behind bars are more successful when they are released. They have an easier time finding jobs and staying off drugs. In fact, a recent study done for the Department of Health and Human Services found that people who were married or in committed relationships were half as likely to use drugs or commit new crimes after they were released from incarceration."

Thus, a defendant's family ties and the family's resolve to remain supportive to the incarcerated person are relevant and important to the 3553 calculus under Booker.  While this is something we all knew already, it is nice to be able to quote the nation's chief law enforcement officer on this point.

For complete text of Holder's introductory remarks, click here.