Under the presumptive sentencing approach, a judge may sentence outside the range appropriate for a particular defendant, creating a departure from the guidelines, if he or she finds there are _________________________________ circumstances that are above and beyond the elements required for the crime but that make the crime more serious.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aggravating circumstances are factors that increase the severity or culpability of a criminal act, justifying a harsher sentence.

Under the Presumptive Sentencing Approach, a Judge May Sentence Outside