NCIA Chief Executive Officer, Herbert J. Hoelter Addresses Proposed Amendments to the Federal Criminal Sentencing Guidelines for Insider Trading

Baltimore, MD, July 25, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives' (NCIA) Chief Executive Officer, Herbert J. Hoelter, has prepared an overview for federal criminal defense attorneys discussing the United States Sentencing Commission’s proposed amendments to the insider trading guidelines. These amendments, which are generally passed, would take effect Nov. 1, 2012.

Mr. Hoelter discusses that the first change provides a new method for determining actual loss in cases involving the fraudulent inflation or deflation in the value of a publicly traded security or commodity. Hoelter goes on to say, “the Commission received significant comments and numerous cases involving securities fraud and found that a variety of different methods have been used over the years to determine loss which have resulted in unwarranted sentencing disparities.”

As CEO of NCIA, Mr. Hoelter often speaks on current trends in white collar sentencing with discussions focusing on the inconsistency in sentencing, judicial reliance on sentencing guidelines, harsher sentences, and the efficacy of longer sentences. Mr. Hoelter is a nationally recognized author and expert in sentencing mitigation and prison consulting. Mr. Hoelter’s commentary also covers several aspects concerning offense characteristics and enhancements which can be unduly severe.

Since 1977, the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) has provided criminal justice services to defense attorneys and court systems throughout the country. When assisting defense attorneys or defendants facing sentencing, Mr. Hoelter provides assistance in understanding the applicable sentencing statutes or guidelines and designs individualized sentencing reports which include specific sentencing proposals. NCIA's sentencing proposals frequently include the use of creative community service alternatives that draw on the offender’s strengths and background. In addition to sentencing advocacy, NCIA also provides prison consulting, institutional designation and transfer, and release planning. For a full copy of Mr. Hoelter's commentary, visit the NCIA website at www.nciasentencingexperts.org to learn more about Mr. Hoelter's clients and NCIA's services. Law firms may call directly for access to NCIA's federal sentencing database services.