What is sentencing in criminal cases?

Sentencing in criminal cases is the process that a judge uses to decide what type of punishment should be given to a person who has committed a crime. In North Carolina, sentencing is based off of the type of conviction. The type of charge and the severity of the crime that the person is convicted of will dictate sentencing. Generally, the most common punishments are probation, fines, or jail time. Probation is when a person is given restrictions and must report to a probation officer periodically. Fines can be a flat amount or be based on the amount of damage caused by the crime. Finally, jail time is when a person is given a minimum and maximum sentence and must serve a few days to a few years in prison. Sentencing in North Carolina is also based on the type of crime and the criminal history of the defendant. For example, if the defendant has a prior record of similar crimes, the judge may be more likely to give a harsher sentence. Additionally, if the crime was particularly violent or life-threatening, the sentence may also be more severe. The North Carolina Sentencing Commission determines the sentencing guidelines for all types of crimes, and the judges must follow these guidelines when sentencing someone. Sentencing in criminal cases is an important part of the criminal justice system and is designed to hold people accountable for their actions. Additionally, it is a key part of keeping the public safe from dangerous individuals.

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What is sentencing in criminal cases?

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