The first and most important purpose of a presentence report (PSR) is to:

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The primary purpose of a presentence report is to assist the court in reaching a fair sentencing decision by providing the court with information about the defendant's background, criminal history, and personal circumstances. The report helps the judge to understand the defendant's character, social history, and potential for rehabilitation, which can aid in determining an appropriate sentence. While a PSR may mention victim impact statements or technical violations by a probationer, these are not the primary purposes of the report.

The First and Most Important Purpose of a Presentence Report