What Is A Pre-Sentence Investigation?

The pre-sentence investigation report is before a sentence is to be imposed that a Judge may request information on the background of a convicted defendant. Information about defendant's background often comes to the judge in the form of a pre-sentence investigation report. Traditional wisdom has held that certain factors increase the likelihood of rehabilitation and reduce the need for lengthy prison terms (Alarid, 2015).

The task of the pre-sentence investigation reports usually falls to the probation or parole office. The data on which a pre-sentence report is based on field notes but structured according to establish categories. The report is much like a resume, except that it focuses on what might be regarded as negative as well as