Criminal Sanctions in the United States

What are sentencing guidelines?

• Sentencing guidelines are recommendations made by defense attorneys to influence the judge's decision.

• Sentencing guidelines are only used in civil cases, not criminal cases.

• Sentencing guidelines are determined solely by the defendant's criminal history.

• Sentencing guidelines are a set of rules or principles that help judges determine the appropriate punishment for a crime.

What is probation?

• A form of punishment for criminal offenses.

• A period of time spent in jail.

• A process of rehabilitation for offenders.

• A period of close monitoring and supervision to ensure compliance with conditions or requirements.

What is parole?

• Permanent release of a prisoner with conditions.

• A type of punishment for prisoners.

• A legal process to determine guilt or innocence.

• Temporary release of a prisoner with conditions

What are fines?

• Monetary penalties

• Imprisonment

• Criminal charges

• Legal consequences

What is community service?

• Paid work done to benefit the community or society.

• Work done to benefit oneself.

• Work done to benefit the government.

• Voluntary work done to benefit the community or society.