Factors That Cause Long Prison Sentences in a Federal Case.
Learn which factors can lengthen prison sentences in federal criminal cases, including the type and severity of the crime, criminal history, risk of re-offense, and courtroom attitude. Understand how base offense levels, aggravating circumstances, and acceptance of responsibility impact federal sentencing outcomes.
What Factors Can Lengthen Your Prison Sentence in a Federal Case?
If you are dealing with a federal criminal charge, your trial is about more than just proving your innocence. The trial can also be a great time to argue for why you do not need a lengthy prison sentence. Though federal crimes might have suggested sentencing guidelines, there is still a lot of variation in sentences. Here are some of the most common factors that cause lengthy prison sentences.
The Type of Crime
The United States Sentencing Commission assigns a base offense level to every standard crime. This offense level goes up to 43, with higher numbers being more serious. Therefore, the type of crime you are charged with has a huge impact on your sentencing. If you commit a crime with a high base offense level, such as kidnapping, then your prison sentence will automatically be higher.
This is why so many plea deals focus on recategorizing your crime. For example, your lawyer might negotiate your charges down from second-degree murder to manslaughter. If you are charged with the more severe version of the crime, the federal government tends to give you a lengthier prison sentence.
The Severity of the Crime
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