What Happens if I’m Convicted of a Crime?

What Happens if I’m Convicted of a Crime?

In felony cases, many sentences are determined by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, which is a system of recommended sentences based upon offense and offender characteristics. Each felony crime in Minnesota is issued a severity weight and a suggested period of prison or probation. Depending on the crime's seriousness and the defendant's criminal history (if they have prior convictions), the guidelines propose a potential sentence. It is up to the judge to decide whether the suggested sentence is appropriate or should be higher or lower than the Guidelines recommend.

Federal Court uses the United States Sentencing Guidelines which has a similar system of recommended sentences in federal court but the way they are configured and determined is wildly more complicated than in State Court. Each crime is weighted, and the recommended sentence can change based on aggravating or mitigating factors. The Federal Judge must follow the factors laid out in the Sentence Guidelines to determine an appropriate sentence but are not bound by the recommended Sentence Guidelines.

Catherine is licensed to practice state law in the State of Minnesota.

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