Kate’s Client Receives Probation After Facing a Five Year Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Kate’s client was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he was previously convicted of a crime of violence. The penalty for this offense is a mandatory minimum of five years in prison. However, under certain circumstances, the court may depart from the five-year mandatory minimum and order a lesser sentence. Kate explained to the prosecutor that her client was a father and the sole caregiver of his children during the day. He was working full-time to help support his daughters. Kate further explained that he had a strong support system and that any term of imprisonment would be detrimental to his family. The prosecutor agreed to a probationary sentence, a departure from the mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment. At sentencing, Kate’s client received probation and did not have to serve any time in prison. Kate’s client can now continue to support his family and be involved in his children's lives.