Chapter 3

Question 1

What does PSI stand for?

Answer 1

Presentence Investigation

Question 2

True or False: The Presentence Investigation (PSI) is not an actual document

Answer 2

False; The Presentence Investigation (PSI) is an actual document

Question 3

Some states require a ____ for crimes punishable by more than ____ year of imprisonment

Answer 3

PSI

one

Question 4

In other states, judges have the _________ to order a PSI

Answer 4

discretion

Question 5

A PSI is written/directed by __________ ______

Answer 5

probation unite

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of PSI?

Answer 6

help the court make the appropriate sentencing decision

Question 7

A PSI Serves as the basis for a plan of probation or parole __________ and _________, indicates _________ ______ of defendant’s life

Answer 7

supervision
treatment
problem areas

Question 8

PSI sssists jail and prison personnel in their ____________ and __________ _________

Answer 8

classification

treatment programs

Question 9

PSI help in planning and consideration for _______

Answer 9

parole

Question 10

____ follows someone through their entire criminal justice “career”

Answer 10

PSI

Question 11

True or False: When a new crime is committed an old PSI is updated

Answer 11

False; When a new crime is committed a whole new PSI is created

Question 12

A recently added dimension to the PSI is the __________ __________ of the defendant

Answer 12

financial condition

Question 13

A PSI determines the defendant’s ability to ____ _____, __________, __________ _____

Answer 13

pay fines
restitution
probation fees

Question 14

A ______ _______ ____________ is attached to the PSI report and includes the description of harm

Answer 14

victim impact statement

Question 15

True or False: The PSI is expected to show guilt and innocence as well as related facts gathered by the Probation Officer

Answer 15

False; The PSI is not expected to show guilt or innocence only related facts gathered by the Probation Officer

Question 16

What are the contents of the PSI?

Answer 16

1) Legal Data
2) Defendant Statement
3) Codefendant(s)
4) Victim Statement
5) Prior Record
6) Probation/Parole
7) Education and Employment
8) Military Service
9) Social History
10) Medical and Mental Status
11) Environments
12) Community Resources
13) Summary and Analysis

Question 17

Most PSI information is gathered from __________

Answer 17

interviews

Question 18

________ and _______ are the second greatest source for PSI’s

Answer 18

Records

Reports

Question 19

PSI may also include a ___________ sentence

Answer 19

recommended

Question 20

In Nevada, statutes require PSI contain recommendation of a definite term of ____________ or an amount of _____ …or both

Answer 20

confinement

fine

Question 21

________ has recommended sentencing

Answer 21

Nevada

Question 22

What are the 2 basic types of PSI?

Answer 22

1) Short-term

2) Long-term

Question 23

What is the difference between short-term and long-term PSI?

Answer 23

Short-term PSI:

• usually done in misdemeanor or less serious felony cases
• usually less exhaustive and less time consuming

Question 24

When it comes to pretrial services officers; Instead of positivistic approach to the offender, the PSI must now focus on the _______ and prior ________ _______

Answer 24

offense

criminal history

Question 25

The Pretrial services provide 2 important services to the court.

Answer 25

1) Investigation

2) Supervision

Question 26

Pretrial Services Officer conducts pretrial services ___________, interviews the ________, and confirms information through other ________

Answer 26

investigation
defendant
sources

Question 27

What conditions should the court impose to guarantee the appearances?

Answer 27

A warrant

Question 28

What are the 2 types of warrants?

Answer 28

1) bench warrant

2) arrest warrant

Question 29

What is the difference between bench warrant and arrest warrant?

Answer 29

bench warrant- by a judge for court

arrest warrant- done by an officer for arrest

Question 30

Why has the use of plea bargaining reduced the need for a PSI report?

Answer 30

Because the plea agreemenet may actually specify the sentence a defendant will receive

Question 31

What does PPI Report stand for?

Answer 31

Pretrial/Plea Investigation Report

Question 32

What is the PPI report used for?

Answer 32

before a Judge agrees to a negotiated plea bargain

Question 33

A ____ _______ requires the defendant to agree to the investigation

Answer 33

PPI report

Question 34

What does ABA stand for?

Answer 34

America Bar Association

Question 35

What is the basic argument against disclosure of information on PSI?

Answer 35

The sources of information must be protected

Question 36

What is the argument in favor of disclosure?

Answer 36

enable the defendant to contest any information considered unfair or unfounded

Question 37

ABA recommends disclosure of information that adversely affects the __________

Answer 37

defendant

Question 38

To improve the reliablity of the report, the Massachusetts commissioner of probation provides what standards?

Answer 38

1) The PO should identify the sources of information in the report
2) The PO should make personal contact with the informants or sources of information
3) The PO should obtain pertinent documentation when practicable
4) Sources of information should be identified in most instances