Though you have been found guilty of a crime, a sentencing hearing gives you a chance to show the court why you are worthy of leniency. Ask family members, friends or your employer for character reference letters. If alcohol or drugs played a role in your criminal actions, show the court you are addressing that through a treatment or rehabilitation program. Anything about your background or present circumstances that will help the judge understand your efforts to be a contributing member of society can be mentioned.
Before your sentencing hearing, check the Criminal Code to see what the maximum penalty is for the crime you have committed. Some offences have a minimum sentence. Also, do some research and find cases similar to yours. This is referred to as precedent. If someone was given a light sentence in a similar circumstance, you can bring up that case at your hearing and suggest the same punishment should apply.