Using Data to Avoid Unwarranted Sentencing Disparities in Federal Cases [NACDL Engage & Exchange]

Federal prosecutors regularly ask courts to impose sentences within the Guidelines ranges to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparities under 18 USC §3553(a)(6), but these arguments often ignore data about what sentences are actually being imposed, especially in white-collar cases.  The Sentencing Commission has made it easier to see this data through the Judiciary Sentencing Information (JSIN) platform, and regular use of JSIN data is already being tested in 1/3 of federal district courts around the country. 

;

Documents

This webinar provides a practical introduction to how defense attorneys can use JSIN, how they can respond to government arguments about JSIN, and how to use the Sentencing Commission’s sentencing datafiles to determine whether your client’s recommended sentence is in line with how defendants most similar to your client are actually being sentenced.  The webinar is led by former federal prosecutor and NACDL member Stephen Chahn Lee and the founding partners of MCM Data Consulting, attorney Meredith Patti and statistician Mary Cate Rush, who specialize in analyzing the Sentencing Commission’s sentencing datafiles.

Explore keywords to find information

RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    March/April 2025 Cover

    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
    March/April 2025 Cover

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of the President

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release

    Nation’s Defense Bar Reiterates Opposition to Actions Against Law Firms – Washington, DC (March 18, 2025)

    The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) remains deeply concerned over recent executive orders targeting law firms, most recently Paul Weiss and Perkins Coie, and repeats its call to uphold the right to counsel and the independence of the legal profession. Despite a ruling blocking the action against Perkins Coie, the administration has continued to target law firms representing disfavored clients and positions, threatening the right to a zealous defense.

  4. Live Event
    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar Cover

    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar

    "Making Sense of Science: Forensic Science, Technology & the Law"

    LOCATION: Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
    DATES: April 24-26, 2025

  5. Trials, Technology, and the Fourth Amendment: Case Law Review [Engage & Exchange]

    EXCLUSIVE NACDL MEMBER BENEFIT
    WHEN:
    Tuesday, April 29, 2:00-3:30pm ET / 11:00am-12:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free

Featured Products