1. Sentencing Guidelines
Principles of LPSCS

2. Types of Sentencing Concurrent Consecutive Determinate Indeterminate
Runs the same duration as another sentence
Consecutive
Sentences run one after another
Concurrent v. Consecutive
Determinate
A specific amount of time is given for an offender to serve
Indeterminate
A period of time to serve “not less than” and “not to exceed” a range of punishment
Vanessa George case
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3. Types of Sentencing (continued)
Deferred
The sentence is postponed to a later date
Suspended
Withholding or postponing of the pronouncement or execution of a sentence
Life
The convicted person spends the remainder of his or her natural life in prison
Mandatory
The sentence is imposed from a statute that gives no room for discretion. A judge may not suspend or give probation.
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4. Types of Sentencing (continued)
Maximum
The longest amount of time that can be given for an offense
Straight/flat
A fixed sentence without a maximum or a minimum
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5. Sentencing Guidelines
Misdemeanors
Class C: fine not to exceed $500
Class B: fine not to exceed $2000 and/or 180 days in jail
Class A: fine not to exceed $4000 and/or up to 1 year in jail
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6. Sentencing Guidelines (continued)
Felony
State Jail felony (SJF): no less than 180 days but no more than 2 years, and a $10,000 fine
3rd Degree: no less than 2 years but no more than 10 years, and a $10,000 fine
2nd Degree: no less than 2 years but no more than 20 years, and a $10,000 fine
1st Degree: no less than 2 years up to 99 years, and a $10,000 fine
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7. Alternative Sentencing
Shock probation
A short amount of incarceration in addition to a period of probation
Taylor Thompson gets shock probation (news story and video)
Work release
Offenders report to jail during non-work hours
Man escapes from work release program (news story and video)
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8. Alternative Sentencing (continued)
Weekend sentencing
Offenders report to jail only for a weekend or another designated time
House arrest
The offender is monitored by electronic means and may not leave the house except for certain reasons
Lindsey Lohan on House Arrest
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9. Alternative Sentencing (continued)
Community Service
Required work for a government or non-profit agency without pay
Probation:
Serves the sentence in the community; offenders must abide by the special guidelines
What are some conditions of probation?
What happens if probation is violated
What are the benefits of probation?
Suspect gets probation
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10. Alternative Sentencing (continued)
Boot camps
Highly regimented programs styled after the military to instill discipline and hold youths accountable
Fines
Monetary amounts paid to the court in lieu of confinement
Restitution
Money paid to the victim for damages and suffering
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11. Alternative Sentencing (continued)
“Scarlet-Letter” punishments
Punishment by shaming
Example: a judge requires a child molester to put a sign in his front yard stating that he is a sex offender A
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12. Alternative Sentencing (continued)
Asset Forfeiture
Seizure of assets, used in or obtained from illegal activity, by the government
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13. Alternative Sentencing (continued)
Incarceration
A period of confinement to either jail or prison
Diversion
The charges are dropped after the person completes a condition such as
Drug treatment
Sex offender counseling
Anger management
First offender programs
Scared straight
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