Court Opinion

ID: 9459875
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 21:34:06.119681+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:36:22.382909
License: Public Domain

OAKES, Circuit Judge
(concurring):
I concur.
This ease may present the one situation in which a heavy sentence may be imposed without the benefit of a presentence report in the discretion of the judge under Fed.R.Crim.P. 32(c)(1). The trial judge here also stated his reasons for sentencing without a presentence report as he was required to do by United States v. Warren, 453 F.2d 738, 744 (2d Cir.), cert, denied, 406 U.S. 944, 92 S.Ct. 2040, 32 L.Ed.2d 331 (1972).
Under the proposed amendments to the Rules of Criminal Procedure for the United States District Courts, Rule 32.-2(a), 48 F.R.D. 614, generally requires a presentence report wherever there is a possible sentence of more than one year in prison; one exception to the general rule, however, is that the presentenee report may be dispensed with if it is impracticable to verify the defendant’s background. And the ABA Standards Relating to Sentencing Alternatives and Procedures, Approved Draft 1968, § 4.-1(c), at 207, recognize that “. . .it is not feasible at this time to require a presentenee report in every case. >>
It could be argued, on the other hand, that appellants’ absence by half the globe from their home is not a compelling reason for the probation office omitting at least to attempt to gather some information about them or at the very least to interview appellants themselves to obtain at least minimal information. Just as we in the United States would want to see our nationals given fair consideration by sentencing authorities abroad, so too must we give fair consideration to those from remote lands. Even one year less in prison to a man who is serving 30 years can mean a great deal.
This may be a situation, however, in which it is more practicable. to- develop information about the offenders after their incarceration. In concurring with the judgment of the court, I would express the hope that these offenders — regardless of the nature of their crime — at least be given the opportunity to present favorable data in their own behalf, 'if any there be.