Criminal Law
Introduction
How The Criminal Process Begins
Differences From The Civil Courts
Searches And Seizures
Grand Juries
Indictment
Arrest, Interrogation and Bail
Plea Bargains
Defenses and Exceptions
Evidence
Trial
Specific Offenses
Sentencing
Concurrent and Consecutive Sentences
Sentencing Guidelines
Presentence Reports
Alternatives to Imprisonment
Victim Compensation
Victim Impact Statements
Probation
Sentencing Frequently Asked Questions
Parole
Retaining a Criminal Defense Attorney
Your Criminal Case
Sentencing Guidelines
Sentencing in federal courts is imposed solely by the judge, and is established using an extremely complicated set of guidelines. Many states have adopted a similar structure for sentencing.
The federal sentencing guidelines set forth a complex mathematical equation of points that determine a defendant's punishment for a specific crime or crimes, which is beyond the scope of this chapter.