Sentencing guidelines

Definition

Advisory ranges established by the U.S. Sentencing Commission that recommend appropriate sentences based on the offense and the defendant's history. In revocation cases, the guidelines assign a 'grade' to the violation, which affects the recommended sentencing range. Courts must give respectful consideration to these ranges but are not bound by them.

Examples

• •The practical dispute in this case is whether crimes committed after the original supervised release term would have expired increase the guidelines grade of Rico's violations, resulting in a higher recommended sentencing range.

Related Terms