What is sentencing in criminal cases?

Sentencing in criminal cases is the penalty that a court imposes on a person who has been found guilty of a crime. In Texas, sentencing for felony offenses is a two-step process. The first step is the trial process, where the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty and the court decides whether or not to convict them based on the evidence presented. The second step is the sentencing phase, where the court determines the appropriate sentence for the defendant. In Texas, the sentence can range from probation, community service, or a deferred adjudication to a fine or jail time. In certain cases, a judge may also order the defendant to attend rehabilitation programs or counseling. A judge may also impose fines, court costs, restitution, community supervision, or require the defendant to attend educational classes as part of the sentence. In most cases, the judge will consider the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, the victim’s statement, and other factors when determining the sentence. While the state of Texas has a sentencing guide that helps judges make their decisions, the judge has complete discretion on the sentence a defendant will receive. Ultimately, the judge’s decision should be guided by what is fair and appropriate for the defendant and the victims involved.

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What is sentencing in criminal cases?

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