I know it goes by pts. but my lawyer is telling me to get character letters together i quailfy for saftey valve, I will also take acceptance of responsability to help lower my points. I am also looking for a job, and taking counseling, I wanted to take a real estate class to get my license. Do you think that is a good idea? or should I just save that money? Is there anything you all can recommend in your personal experience that i can do while on pretrial to appear better or show I am sorry before the judge? That may help the judge to consider lowering my time. 

Answer:  It's true that many judges like to read character letters and this is often a good thing to have attached to your sentencing memorandum or provided directly to the court. You're correct that the recommended sentence for your offense will be based on your criminal history score and your offense level, but those guidelines are just advisory and the judge usually has a lot of discretion if there is no minimum sentence. in my experience it never hurts to have been doing good productive things while you are on pretrial release. Many judges like to see that you're working, going to school, and otherwise bettering your life, and they may take that into consideration when sentencing you, if they believe you are committed to getting your life together and that you have a productive future.