Sentencing
Sentencing is the stage of a criminal case in which a judge decides the punishment after a guilty plea or verdict. Options range from fines and probation to prison terms. Legislatures set the ranges, sentencing guidelines inform judges, and appeals courts review the results.
People usually ask how judges choose a sentence, how guidelines and mandatory minimums limit them, what separates a felony from a misdemeanor, how probation and parole fit in, and what the Constitution says about cruel and unusual punishment.
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All Articles on Sentencing
Lifetime Driver’s License Revocation: Rules in Each State
Lifetime license revocation rules vary by state and driving privilege, with permanent bars, conditional petitions and continuing interlock restrictions.
Understanding Sentencing Guidelines vs. Individualized Sentencing: A Guide to Federal Practice
When a federal judge sits down to sentence someone convicted of a crime, they face one of the most complex decisions in the American…
The Sentencing Divide: Mandatory Minimums vs. Judicial Discretion in American Courts
Mandatory minimums limit judicial discretion, while charges, legal exceptions and release rules shape how federal and state courts determine prison sentences.
Probation vs. Parole: What’s the Difference?
Probation and parole are critical components of the U.S. criminal justice system. Both allow people convicted of crimes to live outside prison under supervision,…
Felony vs. Misdemeanor: What’s the Difference?
Navigating the U.S. legal system can be daunting. One fundamental distinction in criminal law is whether an offense is classified as a felony or…