The four traditional sentencing options identified in this chapter are fines, probation, imprisonment, and—in cases of especially horrific offenses—death.

Control is defined as to command, restrain, or manage. An example of control is telling your dog to sit. An example of control is keeping your dog on a leash. An example of control is managing all the coordination of a party.

To have control is to have the power to run something in an orderly way. A skillful teacher maintains control over students who might otherwise waste time or be disruptive. The verb control means “to be in charge.” If you’re a group’s treasurer, you control its finances.

control (noun) controlled (adjective) controlling (adjective) control freak (noun)

There are four basic types of sentences that we use for different purposes:

• Declarative Sentences.
• Interrogative Sentences.
• Imperative Sentences.
• Exclamatory Sentences.

Types of sentences include probation, fines, short-term incarceration, suspended sentences, which only take effect if the convict fails to meet certain conditions, payment of restitution to the victim, community service, or drug and alcohol rehabilitation for minor crimes.

There are three sentencing systems: those featuring determinate‐sentencing statutes; those using indeterminate‐sentencing statutes; and those applying sentencing guidelines. Some overlap exists among the categories. For example, a mandatory sentence is considered a type of determinate sentence.

A judge must impose a sentence that is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to: reflect the seriousness of the offense; promote respect for the law; provide just punishment for the offense; adequately deter criminal conduct; protect the public from further crimes by the defendant; and provide the defendant with …

In some legal cases, it may be beneficial for a defendant to write a letter to the judge before sentencing. However, this should only be done only after a defendant discusses this action with their attorney. If the attorney believes that it will help the defendant’s case, the letter will be submitted into evidence.

Judges also use the Federal Sentencing Guidelines Manual. Unlike mandatory minimums, the sentencing guidelines are advisory, not mandatory. In calculating sentences, judges are allowed to go below or above someone’s guideline sentence depending on the circumstances of the case.

Tips for Speaking in Front of the Judge

1. Be yourself. Well, at least be the best version of yourself.
2. Do not lie, minimize your actions, or make excuses.
3. Keep your emotions in check.
4. The judge may ask you when you last used alcohol or drugs.
5. Be consistent.
6. The judge may ream you out.

In exchange for pleading guilty, the criminal defendant may receive a lighter sentence or have charges reduced. Additionally, pleading guilty avoids the uncertainty of a trial. Juries can be unpredictable. Prosecutors may uncover additional evidence that can make it more likely for a jury to convict the defendant.

Type the salutation for the letter, such as “Dear Judge Jones,” followed by a colon after the judge’s last name. Type one or two sentences, telling the judge why you are writing, explaining that you are asking for leniency.

A felony offense in California is one that may be punished by at least one year in prison. Generally, the more serious or severe a felony is, the longer the potential prison sentence will be. Prosecutors and judges are sometimes more lenient with first-time offenders.

Many prison sentences require a portion of time is spent behind bars, with the rest served on licence in the community. These licences require offenders to abide by a set of rules, which could include bans from certain areas, or substance rehabilitation. If the conditions are broken, offenders can be sent back to jail.

The term “first offense” is used to describe situations where a defendant is facing charges for the very first time: they have no previous criminal record, or at least no prior convictions. “First time offender” is used to describe the defendant who has no previous criminal record.

For the majority of offence groups, the number of first-time offenders is dwarfed by the number of prolific offenders. The table below shows that the most likely first-time offenders to go to prison are those who commit the most serious crimes, such as sexual offences and robbery.

Generally, a defendant might avoid a prison sentence by:

1. Preliminarily pleading guilty to the charged conduct.
2. Attending alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
3. Enrolling in job-training programs and obtaining beneficial employment.
4. Engaging in community service.
5. Getting mental health assistance.

12 months

Try to stay calm and not be overwhelmed. Rather than thinking about the sentence as an insurmountable time period, break the experience down into short, attainable goals. Be observant and aware of surroundings while respecting other inmates’ needs for privacy.