If you have been convicted of a crime, or if you have taken a plea deal, the next step is to head to sentencing. This is where you will figure out what your punishment will be. Just because you are being sentenced for a crime doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to go to jail, and there are a lot of factors that are considered, particularly if you have been convicted of a felony. It is important for you to visit this site to learn more, and remember that you should reach out to a lawyer who can help you. Even if you have not had a lawyer up until this point, you should still work with someone who can represent you during the sentencing phase.
1. Your Prior Criminal Record
First, your prior criminal record is going to play a significant role in the outcome of your sentencing phase. If you have a clean criminal record, there is a chance that you will receive the minimum punishment for your crime. Even if you’ve been convicted of a felony, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to go to jail. On the other hand, if you have a long criminal record with a lot of crimes on it, you might be more likely to receive a harsher penalty. You need to work with a lawyer who can emphasize the benefits of your criminal record, or lack thereof, for a more favorable sentence.
2. Whether You Have Taken Responsibility for Your Crime
Whether you have taken responsibility for your crime will also play a role in your ultimate sentence. For example, if you took a guilty plea, or if you accepted a plea deal, you might receive a lighter sentence in exchange because you are owning up to your actions. On the other hand, if you took the case to trial and still have not apologized after your conviction, you might be more likely to receive a harsher sentence. You should work with an attorney who can figure out how you can apologize for your actions appropriately, as it could have a significant impact on the outcome of your sentencing phase.
3. The Wishes of the Other Party
Finally, if there is a victim involved in the case, their wishes may also be taken into account. For example, if you have been convicted of a crime against another person, the desires of that other person may play a role in your sentence. On the other hand, if there is no victim involved in your case, or if you have been convicted of a non-violent offense, this may not necessarily play a role. Even if you assaulted somebody else, if they do not want you to go to jail, then you may not receive a jail sentence. There are sentencing guidelines that will play a role in the outcome of your case, and you should work with a lawyer who has a deep understanding of how these factors might impact the outcome of your sentencing phase.
Work With a Lawyer Who Can Represent You
In the end, these are just a few of the many factors that will be considered when it is time for your sentence. If you want to put yourself in the best position possible for a favorable outcome, you need to work with an attorney who has a deep understanding of all of these factors. There are a lot of moving parts involved, and you deserve to have all of your rights protected. That means you need to work with a qualified legal professional who can help you obtain the outcome you are looking for.
