JANUARY 2016, US DISTRICT COURT, PEORIA

BELOW GUIDELINES SENTENCE

Client was indicted for distribution of child pornography. His residence contained several computers and electronic devices with thousands of photographs and videos. Client pleaded guilty and faced a Sentencing Guidelines range of 12 to 16 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years. At sentencing, Mr. Hiatt challenged the application of the Guidelines and emphasized the client’s lack of a criminal history, strong family ties and absence of violent or pedophiliac tendencies. Although the government demanded a Guidelines-range punishment, the court sentenced the client to only eight years in prison.