Who typically conducts a pre-sentence investigation?

The typical individual responsible for conducting a pre-sentence investigation is a probation officer. This process is critical in the criminal justice system, as it involves gathering comprehensive information about the defendant's background, family dynamics, employment history, and any prior criminal record. The probation officer compiles this information to create a report that assists the judge in determining an appropriate sentence. This report may also include victim impact statements and details about the circumstances of the crime, which provide a well-rounded view of the case.

In contrast, while a defense attorney may offer valuable insights and advocate on behalf of the defendant, their role is focused on legal representation rather than compiling background information for the court. Law enforcement officers are involved in the investigation of the crime itself and do not typically undertake the pre-sentencing investigation. The judge, on the other hand, reviews the findings of the probation officer's report but does not conduct the investigation personally. Each role within the criminal justice system is specialized, and in this case, the probation officer is specifically trained for conducting pre-sentence investigations.