Geoff Mousseau

IS MISCONDUCT BY FEDERAL PROSECUTORS NEW?

Misconduct by federal prosecutors recently made the news. Several federal attorneys who prosecuted Senator Stevens committed violations so serious that the case was dismissed - after he was convicted by a jury. Is this type of behavior new? If miscon... Read >

A 21 Month Sentence is a Trap for the Unwary.

Recently, the former sheriff of Orange County was found guilty of a single felony count after a jury trial. Michael Carona, formerly known as "America's Sheriff," was initially relieved that he had been found not guilty of several other felony counts. H... Read >

Why Did Sheriff Michael Carona Go To Trial?

Recent Changes in Sentencing Law Make Going to Trial a Reasonable Decision. The trial of former Orange County Sheriff, Michael Carona, is winding down with little fanfare. As the lawyers for both sides present their closing arguments, speculation swir... Read >

Judges Determine Sentence Length Based on Cooperation by Defendants

Federal prison consultants are asked regularly how defendants can reduce their potential prison sentences. There are few options because of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Even though the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are no longer mandatory, studies... Read >

Are Prosecutors Really Seeking Death Penalty Against 8-Year Old Boy?

Prosecutors from Texas, Oklahoma and Florida are offering their services to seek the death penalty against an 8-year old boy in Arizona accused of 2 counts of premeditated murder. According to their spokesman, "the death penalty is the ultimate deterrent... Read >

Can I Read a Book to Prepare for Federal Prison?

There are books available that provide generic advice about prison and how to prepare for prison. These books are written either by someone who was an inmate or by someone who worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They are full of anecdotes and list... Read >

Government Prosecutions Should Not Be Based on Innuendo

In his closing arguments in the federal prosecution of a current United States Senator, the AUSA reportedly asked the jury to infer guilt from a statement made by the Senator years ago. During his closing argument the prosecutor used a vague portion of... Read >

Judge Makes Wrong Ruling on Spector Trial Evidence

The judge in the Phil Spector retrial has made a mistake that could jeopardize the outcome. In response to pretrial motions, Judge Larry Fidler has permitted the use at trial of an inflammatory statement made by Spector years before the murder of Lana Cl... Read >

The Senator Steven’s Trial Goes to the Jury of Public Opinion

Federal Sentencing Expert, Geoffrey Mousseau, was asked his opinion on the outcome of the trial of Senator Ted Stevens. Senator Ted Stevens, a Republican from Alaska, is being tried for violating ethics laws. It is hard to support either side in thi... Read >

White Collar Defendants Need a Federal Prison Consultant

White collar federal defendants and their families have questions about prison. Who can provide the answers they need? Their lawyer never spent time in prison. Who do you call? White collar defendants are usually faced with the prospect of having to... Read >

Federal Prison Consultant – Navigating A Minefield

Federal Prison Expert, Geoffrey Mousseau, was asked during a radio interview this morning, whether he negotiated with the Bureau of Prisons on behalf of his clients. Mr. Mousseau's responded emphatically. No. Mr. Mousseau reminded the audienc... Read >

Federal Prison Consultant Discusses Selecting a Defense Attorney.

Defendants wonder how to choose a defense attorney. And almost every defendant wonders if he made the right choice at some time during his case. Both concerns could not be more valid. Many things factor into the choice of defense counsel. Price,... Read >

Second Chance Act Helps Even Fewer Inmates

In a recent article regarding the Second Chance Act and its impact on federal prisoners, I made the point that the provision dealing with older inmates would actually help an extremely small number of inmates. After accounting for all of the exceptions t... Read >

White Collar Consultant Advises Bankers Not to Lie to Investigators.

The Bailout bill is now law. Attention now shifts to the bankers who were at the helm of the sinking ships. Federal investigators and Congress are busy looking for people to blame. There is much pent up anger that will be poured out onto anyone who is ... Read >

The families of white collar defendants need answers.

We are imprisoning our population at an alarming and ever-increasing rate. Every white collar defendant who is charged with a federal felony has a family who suffers along with him or her. Where can this growing number of people go for answers? C... Read >