A proffer is a method often employed by criminal defense attorneys and federal prosecutors to meet and discuss how a defendant could help the government in its investigation, without risking further incrimination. In short, a proffer involves making an "off the record" offer of proof, in order to help the parties potentially progress further toward a negotiated settlement of some sort. In some criminal cases, the defendant may simply get a better plea bargain. In other cases, he or she may obtain immunity from prosecution.
It is important that a defendant retain a defense lawyer who is knowledgeable about proffers and how cases are made in the federal criminal courts. Experience counts! It is also important that your defense attorney should obtain a written proffer letter agreement which clearly sets forth that any proffer is off the record.
Richard H. Goolsby, Sr., of the Goolsby Law Firm LLC, is Augusta, Georgia's only former twenty year federal prosecutor. Please call us at (706) 863-5281 for a free initial consultation.
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