What is a psi in court?

A psi, or presentence investigation, is a report prepared by a probation officer that provides information to the court about a defendant's background and the circumstances surrounding the offense they have been found guilty of. The purpose of a psi is to assist the judge in determining an appropriate sentence for the defendant.

The information included in a psi report typically covers the defendant's personal history, such as their education, employment, family background, and any previous criminal record. It may also include details about the offense itself, the impact it had on the victims, and any mitigating or aggravating factors that should be taken into consideration during sentencing.

The probation officer conducting the psi may interview the defendant, their family members, and other relevant individuals to gather information for the report. The report is submitted to the court prior to sentencing and is used by the judge to make an informed decision about the appropriate punishment for the defendant.

Overall, a psi can provide valuable insight into a defendant's background and circumstances, helping the court to make a fair and just decision in sentencing.