In Minnesota Criminal Cases, The Sentencing Phase is Critical. Beware of Victim Impact Statements - Video
Watch Jack’s Interview on Court TV
Victims have a right to speak and have their voice heard at sentencing in Minnesota criminal cases. The purpose is two-fold. First, they can speak on behalf of those who can't speak. Second, they get to speak about the trauma they themselves have experienced and to put a face to it. Its about closure. From a defense perspective, it is important, at the sentencing phase to recognize the importance of these. If you are facing criminal charges, make sure you sit down with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
"The Defense needs to be able to lean into victim impact statements. To deny them could hurt you more."
Minnesota based criminal defense attorney Jack Rice appears on Court TV on 8/1/22 with Judge Ashley Willcott and Atlanta criminal defense attorney Josh Schiffer to discuss victim impact statement. They are important and knowing that they are coming and how to handle them is an important piece of a sentencing.
"Acknowledgment and empathy are critical at this stage. Knowing the impact and making sure the Judge sees that you get it matters even more."
If you resolve a criminal case in Minnesota, there is frequently a so-called CAP on time. This means that there is a maximum amount of time but not necessarily a floor. As result, the Judge has a lot of discretion and can do a lot to help or hurt you. You can’t forget that.
“This is not about getting the last word. Its about making sure the Judge’s last word is a positive one.”
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former prosecutor, a former CIA Officer and Founder of Jack Rice Defense. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.