Presentence report

A report prepared by a court's probation officer, after a person has been convicted of an offense, summarizing for the court the background information needed to determine the appropriate sentence.

Source: U.S. Courts

A report to the sentencing judge containing background information about the crime and the defendant to assist the judge in making his or her sentencing decision.

Source: U.S. Courts

A report prepared by the probation department for the judge when sentencing a defendant. Describes defendant's background: financial, job, and family status; community ties; criminal history; and facts of the current offense. A presentence report must be done in felony cases and may be requested in misdemeanor cases.

Source: California Courts.

Last reviewed October 2022