Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

 

mitigating factors Tag

How Does the Judge Decide on a Criminal Sentence?

How Does the Judge Decide on a Criminal Sentence?

When a criminal defendant gets sentenced for a crime, the judge decides the ultimate sentence based on several different factors. Sentencing happens after the jury comes back with a guilty verdict or after the defendant pleads guilty. A plea of guilty could happen at the initial hearing when the defendant is charged, or more often after the defendant reaches a deal with the prosecutor to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or probation. Factors that affect sentencing could include: A mandatory minimum sentence set by law for a certain crime Repeat offenses Characteristics of the victim or the crime ...

Continue reading