<P> The second interview may be scheduled either in the probation office or in the offender's home . By visiting the home, the probation officer may verify information by talking to other family members and may obtain clues about the offender's standard of living, community ties, and use of alcohol or controlled substances . A second interview is also an opportunity to clarify any vague, contradictory, or confusing information . </P> <P> If the defendant impedes the probation officer's investigation, e.g. by failing to disclose all prior convictions and arrests, his sentence may be increased for obstruction of justice and failure to accept responsibility, even if the undisclosed information has no effect on his criminal history score . Since some defendants may not remember all such prior history, some defense attorneys conduct their own investigations . Some courts have ruled that a defendant waives his Fifth Amendment right against self - incrimination when he pleads guilty . It remains to be seen exactly how this applies to presentence investigation interviews, but it appears likely that a defendant who refuses to talk about his criminal history will jeopardize his sentence reduction for acceptance of responsibility . </P> <P> Another step that must occur early in the investigation is contact prosecutor assigned to the case . The prosecutor will be asked to provide information about the conduct that resulted in the defendant's conviction, victim's losses, the defendant's history, and any other data relevant to the sentencing decision . During the investigation, the defense counsel will also be asked to discuss the same topics . </P> <P> After the interview of the offender, contact with the prosecutor, and the criminal history inquiry, the probation officer must identify any information gaps, must identify potential sources for the missing information, and must plan on how to eliminate the gaps . It may be necessary for the investigating officer to request another probation officer in another jurisdiction to conduct a collateral investigation about a specific aspect of the case . Supplemental interviews may be scheduled with case agents, victims, family members, employers, counselors, or others . </P>

A court often follows the recommendation of the investigation made in the psi report