Court Adopts Low-End Sentence After Defense Mitigation in Federal Human Smuggling Case
At a federal sentencing involving human smuggling (8 U.S.C. § 1324), the government argued for a high-end guidelines sentence. Partner James P. Whalen countered with a detailed mitigation presentation—documenting our client’s background, life circumstances, and rehabilitative prospects—and grounded it in the law governing downward departures and variances. The court commended the defense and imposed a low-end sentence. With credit and remaining time considered, our client now faces approximately four months left to serve.
Sentencing is a critical phase in federal cases. Persuasive mitigation, careful record-building, and clear legal theory can meaningfully influence the outcome.
If you or a loved one is facing a federal investigation or sentencing, contact Whalen Law Office to request a confidential consultation.
Author Bio
James P. Whalen
James P. Whalen is the managing attorney and founder of Whalen Law Office, a Texas criminal defense firm offering personalized legal representation for various federal criminal charges. With a commitment to providing comfort and guidance during challenging times, Mr. Whalen serves as both an attorney and counselor to his clients, helping them navigate their cases while striving to restore normalcy to their lives.
In an inherently unbalanced criminal justice system, Mr. Whalen takes on cases with unwavering dedication. With decades of legal experience, he offers representation across various criminal charges, including white-collar crimes, violent crimes, drug charges, and more. Mr. Whalen’s numerous accolades, including Super Lawyer recognition and board certification in Criminal Appellate Law and Criminal Law, reflect his unwavering commitment to ethical and high-quality legal representation.