About Me
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Clinical Practice (LISW-CP), licensed in South Carolina, specializing in criminal defense sentencing mitigation. I have seven years of experience working on a criminal defense team to provide holistic representation. I also present thorough mitigation reports that are compelling life histories of defendants that offer valuable contextual information for sentencing decisions.
My work bridges legal strategy, principles of social justice, and therapeutic advocacy to the courtroom. I bring a deep commitment to justice, creative problem-solving, and a strong belief in the power of second chances.
What I Bring
To The Table
Mitigation Services
Forensic investigation (including evaluations of capacity and risk), biopsychosocial assessment, plea negotiation support, sentencing advocacy, collateral interviews with trusted individuals, collection of medical, school and other relevant records, records review, exhaustive report writing of client’s life history, court appearance and oral presentation, if requested.
Alternative Sentences
Reentry support, recovery program referral and coordination, assistance with homeless clients, facilitate admission and provide linkages between attorneys, clients and diversion programs, such as Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts.
Trial Liaison
Maintain regular contact with the defendant, family liaison, provide support to the legal team, attend court hearings and help with courtroom behavior, coaching and preparation. May be in conjunction with mitigation services. Must be scheduled at least six weeks in advance.
Law Enforcement Coordination
Assisting defendants with support letters and resources to transition from various forms of incarceration back to their communities of origin or choice.
Testimonials
I have had the pleasure of working with Pia for the last couple of years. I cannot say enough about the quality of work that she does. She is the best social worker I have encountered in my years of legal practice. She is thoroughly dedicated to her clients and goes above and beyond to get them the help they need. She is a mitigation specialist and helps tell her clients stories. Her mitigation has made a real difference at criminal sentencing. I would highly recommend Pia’s services.
Seth Holcomb, Esq.
Pia’s mitigation work was excellent. She met directly with clients, interviewed family members, and provided a detailed mitigation report directly to the court. Her mitigation was invaluable in that it helped to humanize clients who were often surrounded by bad facts. By bringing context to the frequently complex histories of our clients, she undoubtedly helped the court see the value in a reduced sentence and helped save clients from additional years in prison.
Rachel K., Esq.
She does this knowing that the judge, the prosecutor and the public may be decidedly unsympathetic to her earnest pleas on behalf of her clients, but she does it anyway.
Stephen Sutherland, Esq.
