What is the Pre-Sentence Interview (PSI)?

A meeting with U.S. Probation where background, health, substance-use history, and offense conduct are discussed. The probation officer uses it to draft the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) the judge relies on at sentencing.

Why is the PSI so important?

Information captured in the PSI flows into the PSR, which influences guideline calculations, restitution, conditions of supervision, BOP designation, and program eligibility (including RDAP).

Can I review and correct my PSR?

Yes. After the draft PSR is issued, you may submit written objections and supporting documentation. The court resolves disputed issues before sentencing.

Should I discuss substance use for RDAP?

If you have a genuine history, documenting it accurately in the PSI/PSR can support RDAP screening. Preparation matters to avoid inconsistencies or overstatements.

How can Prison Law Firm help with my PSI?

We conduct mock interviews, assemble a probation packet, align statements with defense strategy, address RDAP considerations, and prepare targeted PSR objections to protect your interests.

Pre-Sentence Interview (PSI): How to Prepare & Protect Your Future

Possibly the most important interview of your life. The PSI drives the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) the judge will rely on to determine your sentence—and it can influence BOP placement and RDAP eligibility. Go in prepared.

Why the PSI Matters So Much

Shapes the PSR: The probation officer’s write-up becomes the court’s primary reference at sentencing.
Impacts guideline calculations: Offense conduct, role, loss/drug amounts, acceptance, and criminal history flow from information gathered here.
Affects BOP outcomes: Health history, substance-use history, education, employment, and program needs recorded in the PSR can influence designation, programming, and RDAP eligibility.

What to Expect in a Federal PSI

Topic	Examples of What You’ll Be Asked
Personal background	Family, education, employment, finances, military, housing.
Physical & mental health	Diagnoses, medications, treatment history, current needs.
Substance-use history	Alcohol/drug use timeline, treatment—key for RDAP screening.
Offense conduct	Your version of events, role, relevant conduct, victims, restitution.
Criminal history	Priors, probation/parole, pending matters.

After the interview, probation drafts the PSR. You and your counsel can review and submit written objections/corrections before it’s finalized.

Top Preparation Steps (What We Do with Clients)

Mock interview & messaging: Practice accurate, consistent answers that address responsibility without creating new exposure.
Document pack: Medical records, prescriptions, treatment proof, education/work history, certificates—ready to hand probation.
RDAP readiness: Carefully document qualifying substance-use history (when appropriate) so PSR language aligns with eligibility criteria.
Loss/role & guideline issues: Align your statement with defense positions; avoid casual statements that inflate loss, role, or relevant conduct.
Mitigation narrative: Family responsibilities, community service, rehabilitation steps, and support letters to inform the PSR.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Going in cold: Inconsistent or unsupported statements become hard-to-undo PSR entries.
Minimizing health or treatment needs: Undercuts medical care and programming access later.
Guessing on numbers/dates: “Off-the-cuff” loss figures or timelines can increase guideline ranges.
Volunteering uncharged conduct: May expand relevant conduct; coordinate with counsel.

PSI → PSR → Sentencing: The Timeline

Interview scheduled: Probation sets date/location (in person or virtual).
Draft PSR issued: Defense reviews; objections and supporting exhibits are submitted on deadline.
Final PSR & addendum: Judge receives the final report; unresolved objections are addressed at sentencing.

Accurate records and timely objections are essential—errors in the PSR can follow you into BOP custody.

How Prison Law Firm Helps

One-on-one PSI prep and mock interviews.
Curated document packet for probation and the court.
RDAP-oriented drafting of medical/substance-use history where appropriate.
Targeted PSR objections and sentencing mitigation support.

Schedule a PSI Prep Consultation

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Your situation may differ.