{"id":352313,"date":"2024-01-16T06:04:58","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T11:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/sentencing.html"},"modified":"2024-01-16T06:04:58","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T11:04:58","slug":"sentencing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/sentencing.html","title":{"rendered":"Sentencing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sentencing<\/h1>\n
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\n By Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Sentencing guidelines set maximum sentences and a minimum sentences that convicted defendants must serve. Some states and all federal criminal statutes include mandatory sentencing guidelines. These require judges to impose sentences uniformly.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

After a guilty plea or conviction in a criminal trial, a sentencing judge will decide on the appropriate punishment in a criminal case. At the sentencing hearing, the judge can enhance a sentence based on aggravating factors. Or, in some circumstances, a judge may reduce a prison sentence based on mitigating factors specific to the crime and the defendant.<\/p>\r\n

In criminal court, a sentence may include the following:<\/p>\r\n