Interviewing for Noncapital Mitigation

Mitigation involves telling a client's story. That story will include the answer to several questions: What influenced the decisions the client made that led to being convicted of a crime? What strengths does the client have? What will the client need to succeed in the future and avoid ever facing another sentencing hearing? Pity is not a mitigation theme. Telling the court that the client has had "a hard life and a difficult childhood" will not carry the day. The best way to learn the client's story is by building a relationship with the client, and that process begins with skillful interviewing by a mitigation specialist.