Both a mitigation specialist and a sentencing consultant provide comprehensive reports to the court regarding a defendant’s background. A mitigation specialist more often works in federal court. A sentencing consultant is broader term used to describe those that provide multiple services for legal advocacy.

Absolutely. A judge is required by law to review all the documents submitted to the court on behalf of a defendant. A well written, comprehensive mitigation report is appreciated by judges as it helps them to decide an appropriate sentencing disposition.

Character of the defendant, rehabilitation needs and the gravity of the offense. A sentencing mitigation report is one of the best ways to provide this information to the judge, providing them with critical background about the defendant they would not likely otherwise have.