A sentencing guidelines grid allows for upward and downward departures from the guidelines.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sentencing guidelines grid provides a range of recommended sentences for a given offense based on factors such as the defendant's criminal history and the severity of the offense. However, in some cases, a judge may deviate from the recommended sentence and impose a sentence that is either higher or lower than the guideline range. This is known as an upward or downward departure. Departures are allowed if the judge determines that a sentence within the guideline range would be inappropriate or disproportionate based on the facts and circumstances of the case.

A Sentencing Guidelines Grid Allows for Upward and Downward Departures