Sentencing Mitigation — Client Specific Planning

Since 1981, the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) has provided effective sentencing, post-conviction and capital mitigation services to defense attorneys and their clients. CCA’s pre-federal sentencing guidelines experience is especially relevant in the post-Booker environment. As a knowledgeable, not-for-profit criminal justice agency, with expert staff (link to staff bios) that prepare thorough and convincing reports, CCA has earned credibility with the courts and other criminal justice professionals.

"I have used CCA to great advantage for my clients; CCA not only has the know-how, it gets results." -- Joshua L. Dratel, President, NYS Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Client Specific Planning (CSP) is recognized as one of the foremost defender-based sentencing programs in the country and has been adopted in many jurisdictions throughout the nation and within New York State. CSP is part of CCA's array of criminal justice programs and is available to defendants in federal and state courts.

CSP services are based on extensive interviewing, thorough background investigation and assessment, including the defendant’s social, family and criminal history. Drawing on this research, CSP plans are developed. They typically include referrals to specific treatment programs, employment, vocational or educational programs, housing, and other relevant support services. Alternative sanctions often include "client specific" community service placements, victim restitution, and home detention. Where an alternative sentence is not feasible, CSP staff work to mitigate the length of incarceration, and work with the client and the appropriate corrections department to achieve the most beneficial classification possible. CSP services are also used at time of parole in the development of release plans. CCA’s talented and capable CSP team (link to bios) includes attorneys, social workers, and former state and federal probation officers. The quality of their work has gained the respect of the courts and leads defense counsel to return to CCA with new clients. (Click here for references.)

Program effectiveness is demonstrated by a consistently high court acceptance rate. CSP clients have donated thousands of hours of community service through work in such places as AIDS hospices, senior citizen center, homeless shelters, meals-on-wheels and other human service and community agencies. Approximately 80% of clients successfully complete their alternative sentences and move on to law-abiding, productive lives.

For more information, or to make a referral, contact:

In New York:
Josefina Bastidas, Deputy Director
39 West 19th Street
New York, New York 10011
212-691-2369 x224
jbastidas@communityalternatives.org

In Syracuse:
Ann Usborne
115 East Jefferson Street, Suite 300
Syracuse, New York 13202
315-422-5638 x233
ausborne@communityalternatives.org

In Buffalo:
Selena Garr
237 Main St. Suite 1602
Buffalo, New York 14203
716-853-9555 x473
sjgarr@communityalternatives.org