One of the primary thoughts of someone who’s facing criminal charges in Maryland is trying to figure out what sentence they’ll face. In most cases, defendants can find out the sentence range that’s possible, but they may want to know what the court considers during sentencing.
Determining what sentence a person will face when they’re convicted of a crime requires the judge to consider a variety of factors. The goal is to find a sentence that reflects the nature of the crime.
Specifics of the crime
The severity of the crime is one of the primary factors that determines what type of sentence a person may face. In Maryland, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, with felonies generally carrying harsher penalties.
Crimes that are violent, involve weapons or cause serious harm can lead to longer sentences. Whether the crime involved a victim and how the victim was affected are also factors.
Criminal history
A person’s criminal record can influence the sentence. People who don’t have a criminal history are often treated more leniently than someone who has prior convictions. The judge can also look at the person’s background, age, employment history, mental health and substance abuse issues into account. They can also consider remorse or steps taken toward rehabilitation as they determine the criminal sentence.
Courts in Maryland have sentencing guidelines to review when issuing a sentence. Understanding those and the factors that are used to handle this are beneficial for defendants, so it may be best for them to work with someone familiar with these matters.