Criminal Sentencing
Download article as a PDFAfter a defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, a judge will decide on the appropriate punishment (or sentence) during the sentencing phase of a criminal case. Sentencing for criminal offenses can range from probation and community service to prison and even the death penalty. The following resources cover the various factors that influence sentencing, "three strikes" sentencing laws, mandatory minimum sentences, state-specific guidelines and more.
Sentencing Basics:
- Sentencing Overview - Brief overview of the different types of criminal sentences, from fines to incarceration, plus the factors that influence a judge's decision.
- Sentencing Alternatives: From Incarceration to Diversion - Explanation of the various types of alternative sentences, including probation and restitution.
- Factors Considered in Determining Sentences - Factors that help determine a convicted criminal's sentence, such as prior offenses and the seriousness of the crime.
- Types of Sentences - Listing of the various different types of sentences imposed for criminal convictions, including concurrent and presumptive sentences.
- How Sentencing Works FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the sentencing process and how judges typically impose sentences.
Sentencing In-Depth:
- "Three Strikes" Sentencing Laws - Explanation of federal and state laws that provide for mandatory life imprisonment for a third felony conviction.
- Mandatory Sentences, Uniformity and Consistency - Overview of mandatory minimum sentencing and the different opinions of what a sentence should accomplish.
- Alternative Sentences - The reasons for, and examples of, alternative sentences such as house arrest or drug treatment programs.
- Probation FAQ - Answers to frequently asked questions about probation, including penalties for violating probation and what happens if probation is revoked.
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