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AO 246B

Order for a Presentence Investigation and Report

Federal · United States Courts · Effective January 1, 2009

This form is an order that tells the probation office to investigate a defendant who has been found guilty of a crime and to write a report for the court to use when deciding the sentence.

Open the official PDFfrom United States Courts

Where this fits in a case

Judgment

Stage: Judgment

This form is used after a defendant has been found guilty of one or more offenses against the United States, directing the probation office to conduct an investigation for sentencing.

Prepared by the court or clerk.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
This form is an order that is signed by a judge. It is used by the court.
What does this order require?
It orders the probation office to investigate the defendant and prepare a report for the court to use during sentencing.
When must the report be shared?
The probation office must give copies of the report to the defendant's and the government's attorneys at least 35 days before sentencing, unless different times are set.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2009.

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