What Does PSI Mean in Court?

A presentence investigation, also known as a PSI, is a written report prepared by a probation officer in a criminal case prior to a defendant's sentencing. The PSI provides a judge with a full assessment of the offender and the offense.

History

Judges have made widespread use of presentence investigation reports since at least the 1920s, according to the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice. The PSI's roots can be traced to Boston in the 1840s. The U.S. Probation Department conducts a presentence investigation and prepares a report for almost every federal criminal conviction. State laws vary, with some requiring the reports for all felony cases or for defendants who face incarceration.

Report Contents

The PSI may include a description of the offense and details about the defendant's prior criminal convictions, background, education, work history, drug and alcohol use, psychiatric disorders and medical history. It may also contain details about harm to victims, victim impact statements, the defendant's statement and sentencing guidelines.

Purpose

The PSI provides the court with a complete picture of the defendant. A judge reviews the report before determining a sentence. Corrections officials also use the report to determine placement and types of programs that may benefit an inmate. For example, a defendant might be assigned to GED classes or a substance abuse program.

References

• Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice: The History of the Pre-sentence Investigation Report
• U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, District of New Hampshire: Federal Sentencing
• Administrative Office of the United States Courts: The Presentence Investigation Report