What is a sentencing guideline and how might it affect me?
Sentencing guidelines offer a minimum and maximum standard punishment based on severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. They were adopted in an effort to help judges remain consistent. Both state and federal judges are required to at least consider the sentencing guidelines, but they do not have to abide by them. While sometimes these guidelines can mitigate a judge’s personal prejudices, they can also nullify the individual circumstances of your case.
