What Does a Mitigation Specialist Do?
How Blizzard & Zimmerman’s David Herbst, MDiv Helps Tell Every Client’s Full Story
The Human Side of Justice
When someone faces criminal charges, the system often focuses only on the “what” – what happened, what law was broken, and what punishment might apply. But at Blizzard & Zimmerman Attorneys, we believe in telling the “who” – who the person is, where they came from, and what brought them to this point.
That’s the work of a mitigation specialist. And at our firm, that person is David Herbst, MDiv a Mitigation Specialist and our firm’s Chaplain who combines investigative skill with compassion and faith-based guidance to help clients tell their stories with honesty and dignity.
What a Mitigation Specialist Does
A mitigation specialist plays a critical role in criminal defense and post-conviction relief. They uncover, document, and explain the life history of a person accused or convicted of a crime – providing a fuller, more human picture to judges, juries, and parole boards.
Their work often includes:
- Life History Investigation: Exploring upbringing, trauma, family dynamics, and social environment.
- Mental Health & Substance Use Background: Reviewing medical and psychological records.
- Character & Community Involvement: Gathering testimonials and evidence of positive contributions.
- Rehabilitation Potential: Demonstrating a client’s growth, remorse, and readiness for change.
This information doesn’t justify what happened – it helps the court understand why it happened and how to move toward justice that heals rather than only punishes.
David Herbst: Combining Compassion with Professional Insight
With his dual background as a chaplain and mitigation specialist, David brings a rare depth of empathy and perspective to each case.
He works closely with clients, their families, and our attorneys to gather records, conduct interviews, and prepare detailed mitigation reports that often influence outcomes in:
- Sentencing hearings
- Post-conviction writs and appeals
- Parole reviews
David’s reports help decision-makers see clients as whole people – not just case numbers – revealing the human experiences behind every legal issue.
Why Mitigation Matters in Criminal Defense
A strong mitigation presentation can change lives. It can:
- Support reduced sentencing or alternatives to incarceration
- Help parole boards understand personal transformation
- Encourage fairness and individualized outcomes
- Foster dignity and hope for clients and their families
At Blizzard & Zimmerman, mitigation is more than a step in the process – it’s part of our mission to restore faith, accountability, and the possibility of a second chance.
A Ministry of Understanding
As a chaplain, David also provides spiritual care and emotional support to our clients and their families during some of their hardest days.
His role embodies our firm’s belief that true justice includes compassion – understanding that redemption is possible for everyone.
