The pre-sentence report
A pre-sentence report is the court's own background check before it decides a sentence. If a court orders a pre-sentence report, a probation officer writes it. Wherever possible it covers age, maturity, character, behaviour, attitude and willingness to make amends, the history, and how the person responded to any earlier program.
Full transcript
If a court orders a pre-sentence report, a probation officer writes it. Wherever possible it covers age, maturity, character, behaviour, attitude and willingness to make amends, the history, and how the person responded to any earlier program. It is filed with the court, and a copy goes to the defence and the Crown. It is not a verdict and not a recommended number. Being open and on time for the interview matters, because the report is read closely on the day.
More on this: After an arrest. Want the office to look at your own situation? Open a file.