What types of sentences may be imposed if a person is found guilty?
After a jury renders a guilty verdict or after a defendant pleads guilty, a defendant will be sentenced. A judge may sentence a defendant to a term of imprisonment, a term of probation, a conditional discharge, an unconditional discharge, or impose a fine. Sentencing is governed by statutes that indicate those crimes for which imprisonment is mandatory and the permissible minimums and maximums for each class of crime. To determine the sentence within the ranges permitted by law, the judge examines the crime and the defendant’s participation, his background, and history. Probation may be given when a jail term is not considered necessary for the protection of society. The court may feel that probation can provide needed training, guidance, or assistance to the defendant and can add conditions to the sentence of probation to reflect those needs. A conditional discharge is imposed when the court believes that neither jail nor probation is appropriate. The court can require the defendant t
