When facing criminal charges, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. You need a great defense lawyer that doesn’t just react to the prosecution’s case. The following unique ways your attorney can help and get the best possible outcome will give you insight into questions you should be asking. Some attorneys go beyond the basics, employing strategies that many defendants (and even some lawyers) may not consider.
One of these unique strategies is attending other sentencing hearings or trials involving similarly situated defendants. This may seem like extra effort, but in reality, it can be a game-changer. Let’s explore why this matters and what you should look for when choosing a lawyer.
Why Attending Other Sentencing Hearings Matters
Understanding the Judge’s Perspective
Every judge has their own way of evaluating cases, weighing evidence, and determining sentences. By attending other defendants’ sentencing hearings, a skilled attorney can gain insights into how a judge:
- Reacts to different defense arguments
- Weighs mitigating factors, such as community service or personal hardships
- Responds to prosecutors’ sentencing requests
- Interprets a defendant’s remorse or testimony
For example, in a federal fraud case in Minnesota, I recently observed a sentencing hearing where the judge emphasized that the defendant had:
- Exploited vulnerable people in a government aid program.
- Lost credibility due to inconsistent testimony at trial.
These factors heavily influenced the sentence. Because I attended, I now understand what’s important to this particular judge—information I can use to better defend my clients facing similar charges.
Developing Stronger Defense Strategies
By observing other cases, an attorney can identify:
✅ Which defense arguments resonate with the judge and could result in a lighter sentence
❌ Which arguments fall flat and might even hurt a client’s chances
✅ Which prosecutor arguments carry weight with the judge
❌ Which prosecution claims may be dismissed as weak or unconvincing
This knowledge is invaluable when advising a client on:
- Whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial
- What evidence and arguments will matter most in court
- How to present mitigating factors that could lead to a reduced sentence
Gaining Insights from Other Defense Attorneys
After attending a sentencing hearing, I don’t just leave with my own observations—I also speak with the lawyers involved. By discussing their takeaways, I gain additional perspectives on:
- The judge’s thought process
- Which legal strategies were most effective
- What surprised the defense team about the hearing
This kind of real-time learning is something that no written brief or case transcript can fully capture. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and immediate reactions provide insight that is critical in preparing a defense.
How This Strategy Helps in Federal and State Cases
This approach is particularly valuable in multi-defendant cases, such as:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Conspiracy to commit mail fraud
- Conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud
- Other large-scale financial crimes
In these cases, sentencing happens in waves. Some defendants plead guilty early, while others fight at trial. Since the same judge often handles multiple cases in the same conspiracy, understanding how that judge rules on early casesprovides a huge advantage when preparing later defenses.
This can also apply in state cases, particularly those involving multiple defendants or repeat criminal proceedings with the same judge.
Does Your Lawyer Go the Extra Mile?
Not all attorneys take the time to attend other defendants’ hearings. Some lawyers simply read sentencing reports or order transcripts later—but these methods don’t capture the full picture.
When hiring a defense attorney, ask:
• Do they take proactive steps to understand the court and judge handling your case?
• Are they willing to do extra research beyond reading case documents?
• Do they consult with other defense attorneys to gain valuable insights?
The right lawyer will actively seek out information that can help your case—not just wait for it to come to them.
Final Thoughts: Choose an Attorney Who Works for You
If you’re facing serious state or federal charges, make sure your attorney is willing to go beyond the basics. The extra effort of attending sentencing hearings, analyzing courtroom dynamics, and consulting with other defense attorneyscan make a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
🔹 Need a defense attorney who fights for you? We defend clients across the U.S. facing serious criminal charges. Contact us at ArrestedMN.com or call 612-339-5844.
And remember—be like the bison… and roam free!